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PhrasesAsking DirectionsMi sono perso. Può aiutarmi?
A1

Mi sono perso. Può aiutarmi?

I'm lost. Can you help me?

Pronunciation

PER-so — stress on first syllable. ai-u-TAR-mi — stress on third syllable.

When to use it

The essential phrase when you are completely disoriented and need help.

What it means

'Mi sono perso' (I'm lost) is reflexive passato prossimo — 'perdersi' (to get lost). The feminine form is 'mi sono persa'. 'Può aiutarmi?' (can you help me?) is a polite request. This phrase will always get a sympathetic response from Italians.

Variations

Non trovo la mia strada.

I can't find my way.

Alternative expression for being lost

Credo di essermi perso — dove sono?

I think I got lost — where am I?

Adding uncertainty makes it more natural

Non so dov'è questo indirizzo.

I don't know where this address is.

When you have an address but can't find it

Mini Dialogue

— Mi sono perso. Può aiutarmi? — Certo! Dove deve andare? — Cerco il palazzo Vecchio a Firenze. — Lei è proprio davanti! È quell'edificio con la torre.

— I'm lost. Can you help me? — Of course! Where do you need to go? — I'm looking for Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. — You're right in front of it! It's that building with the tower.

Cultural Note

Getting lost in Italian historic centres is almost a rite of passage — and often leads to wonderful discoveries. Italian locals are almost universally willing to help lost tourists. If you ask directions and they seem uncertain, they will often consult a neighbour or call out to someone nearby rather than admit they don't know — Italians take the duty to help very seriously.