Collins Dictionaries - Easy Learning Italian Conversation

Unfortunately the service you get in your accommodation may not always be perfect. A very simple way of complaining is to say what the problem is using c’è( there is) and ci sono( there are), or non c’è( there isn’t) and non ci sono( there aren’t) .

You can also use the verb essere( to be ) to describe what the problem is.

BUONO A SAPERSI!

Remember that with most expressions such as it’s hot or it’s cold in Italian, you should use the verb fare( to do ), not essere( to be ).

Here are some key phrases which you are likely to hear when you’re looking for somewhere to stay.

Lifestyle Tips

• If you are renting a property for a longish period, but haven’t moved to Italy in any kind of permanent way, you are likely to be offered a contratto per non residenti( contract for non-residents ).

• Short-term rented property is normally furnished ( ammobiliato), while long-term rented accommodation is usually unfurnished ( non ammobiliato).

• It is less common in Italy to share a flat with other tenants, unless you are a student. However, it is possible to rent una camera ammobiliata( a furnished room ) in a flat or a house.

• Properties are described by size in square metres and number of rooms, for example appartamento ammobiliato di 80 m2, salotto, cucina abitabile, camera da letto, cameretta, bagno con doccia, balcone, cantina( 80 m2 furnished flat, sitting room, dining kitchen, double bedroom, single bedroom, bathroom with shower, balcony, storage cellar ).

• A studio apartment is called un monolocalein Italian, literally a one-room flat , with sleeping and cooking facilities in the one room. They can be quite smart, and are often rented by professionals who need to be in a town from time to time, or by visitors who prefer them to hotels.

• If a flat is described as being in a stabile d’epoca, it means it is in a period building.

• If you are looking to rent for a longer period, you will find adverts in local papers and on websites, as well as signs on doors of buildings with contact phone numbers. You could also contact the local agenzie immobiliari( estate agents ), who will normally charge a commission.

• As a tourist, you may be staying in un hotelor albergo, una pensione, un bed&breakfast(now quite common), un agriturismo(where guests eat the farm’s own produce), un appartamento, una villaor un residence(very often a luxurious option, with serviced furnished flats of different sizes, fitness area, pool, conference rooms, etc.).

If you’re going out for a meal in Italy either in a local trattoria or in a fancy restaurant, the phrases in this unit will give you the confidence to talk to the waiter and chat with your Italian friends in easy, natural Italian. We’ll also give you some tips on getting advice about what to order, and a few key phrases waiters are likely to use.

If you want to make arrangements such as where and when to meet when you go out for a meal with Italian-speaking people, you can start by asking Dove…?( Where…? ) and A che ora…?( What time…? ).

If you want to check that the arrangements suit your friends or colleagues, you can use Va bene se…?( Does it suit you if…? ).