I am taking a fifteen-minute break.
'Pausa' = PAW-za. Two syllables; stress the first. 'Quindici' = KWIN-di-chi.
Use this to inform your team that you are stepping away briefly. In remote work, disappearing without notice can create confusion about your availability. A quick break message is considerate.
Simple and honest. 'Fare una pausa' (to take a break) is the natural Italian phrasing. Specifying the duration ('quindici minuti') sets clear expectations for when you will be back.
Torno tra dieci minuti.
I will be back in ten minutes.
Focuses on return time rather than the break itself
Sono in pausa pranzo. Torno alle tredici.
I am on lunch break. I will be back at one pm.
Lunch break specific; sets a clear return time
Mi allontano un attimo. Resto raggiungibile sul telefono.
I am stepping away for a moment. I remain reachable by phone.
Ensures continuity of contact for urgent matters
Italian remote workers are entitled to breaks under the same labour laws that apply in offices. For every 6 hours of continuous work, Italian law mandates a minimum 10-minute break. Communicating breaks in remote work normalises this legally protected right.