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PhrasesCancelling PlansSono in viaggio, non arrivo in tempo.
A2

Sono in viaggio, non arrivo in tempo.

I'm travelling, I won't make it on time.

Pronunciation

'In viaggio' — in VIA-gio. Stress 'VIA'. The 'ggio' ending sounds like 'jo'.

When to use it

Use when you are literally in transit and will not arrive on time for the plans. This is a factual, geographic impossibility — no one can argue with it.

What it means

'In viaggio' means 'travelling' or 'in transit'. 'Non arrivo in tempo' means 'I won't arrive on time'. Together they explain the situation factually and without excuse-making, which is appreciated.

Variations

Ho perso la coincidenza.

I missed my connection.

'Coincidenza' — connecting train/bus. Very credible on Italian rail networks

C'è traffico, ci metto ancora un'ora.

There's traffic, I'll take another hour.

For car journeys — Italian traffic (especially in Rome/Milan) is notorious

L'autostrada è bloccata.

The motorway is blocked.

Motorway closures due to accidents are common and generate immediate sympathy

Mini Dialogue

— Sei partito/a? — Sono in viaggio ma non arrivo in tempo. C'è un incidente sull'A1. — Oddio! Stai bene? — Sì sì, sono in fila. Non so quando arrivo.

— Have you set off? — I'm travelling but I won't make it on time. There's an accident on the A1. — Oh no! Are you okay? — Yes yes, I'm in a queue. I don't know when I'll arrive.

Cultural Note

The A1 (Autostrada del Sole) connecting Milan to Naples is one of Italy's busiest motorways and is famous for traffic and accidents, especially during holidays. Mentioning it immediately signals the severity of the delay.