Eviti di fare rumore durante il riposo pomeridiano.

Avoid making noise during the afternoon rest period.

Pronunciation

ri-PO-so — stress on second syllable. 'Pomeridiano' — po-me-ri-DIA-no, stress on fourth syllable.

When to use it

Know this when renting accommodation, staying in a residence, or even walking through quiet neighbourhoods in the early afternoon. The Italian 'riposo' is taken seriously.

What it means

The 'riposo pomeridiano' (afternoon rest) in Italy runs roughly from 13:00 to 16:00 in most regions. Noise regulations often apply. In condominiums, building rules ('regolamento condominiale') typically prohibit loud activities during these hours. Deliveries, builders and neighbours respect this unwritten law.

Variations

C'è silenzio dalle 14 alle 16.

There is quiet from 2 to 4.

The standard Italian afternoon quiet hours.

Non aspirare durante il riposo.

Don't vacuum during the rest period.

Specific rule in Italian condominiums — vacuuming is a common source of disputes.

I bambini stanno dormendo.

The children are sleeping.

Common reason given for requesting quiet — universally respected.

Mini Dialogue

— (bussando forte alla porta) Avete finito di fare rumore? — Mi scusi — stavo facendo i lavori di casa. — Sono le due del pomeriggio! C'è il riposo. — Non sapevo. Mi scusi sinceramente. — Non importa, ma eviti nelle prossime ore. Grazie.

— (knocking loudly at the door) Have you finished making noise? — I'm sorry — I was doing housework. — It's two in the afternoon! There's the rest period. — I didn't know. I'm sincerely sorry. — Never mind, but avoid it for the next few hours. Thank you.

Cultural Note

Italian condominium life is governed by an elaborate set of written and unwritten rules. The 'riposo pomeridiano' is one of the most seriously enforced. Disputes between neighbours over noise are one of the most common sources of litigation in Italian civil courts.

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