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PhrasesAsking DirectionsSto cercando il numero 47 di questa via.
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Sto cercando il numero 47 di questa via.

I am looking for number 47 on this street.

Pronunciation

nu-ME-ro — stress on second syllable. ci-VI-co — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When you are on the right street but cannot find the specific building number.

What it means

'Sto cercando' (I am looking for) uses the progressive form. 'Il numero civico' (the civic/house number) — often shortened to 'il numero' or 'il civico'. Italian house numbering can be confusing in historic centres — odd and even numbers often run separately, and some cities (Florence, Genoa) have two parallel numbering systems.

Variations

I numeri pari sono da questa parte?

Are the even numbers on this side?

In some Italian cities, odd/even are on opposite sides

Il rosso e il nero sono due numerazioni diverse?

Are the red and black numbering systems different?

Florence uses two parallel systems — red for businesses, black for residences

L'indirizzo è nel comune di Firenze o di Fiesole?

Is the address in the municipality of Florence or Fiesole?

Suburban addresses can span multiple municipalities

Mini Dialogue

— Sto cercando il numero 47 di questa via. — I numeri dispari sono dall'altra parte della strada. — Ah, ho capito! E dove va il 47 circa? — Verso la fine della strada, a sinistra.

— I am looking for number 47 on this street. — The odd numbers are on the other side of the street. — Ah, I see! And where is 47 approximately? — Towards the end of the street, on the left.

Cultural Note

Florence has a unique double house numbering system: black (nero) numbers in sequence for residences, and red (rosso) numbers in a separate sequence for commercial premises. The same street may have both a 'Via X 15 (nero)' and a 'Via X 15r (rosso)'. This confuses even experienced travellers. Always specify which type of number you need.