🙄💬

How to Say ‘An excuse’ in Italian

Un pretesto

oon preh-TES-toh

[oon preh-TES-toh]

💬 Usage Tip: pretesto means an excuse in the sense of a pretext, not an apology-style excuse. For that kind of excuse, Italians say una scusa.

Phrase Breakdown

[oon]

a; an

Indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Un menu famiglia può convenire a gruppi grandi.

A family menu can be convenient for large groups.

pretesto

[preh-TES-toh]

pretext / excuse

A false or convenient reason used to do something.

Example

Era solo un pretesto per parlarti.

It was just an excuse to talk to you.

Guides for Italian learners

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