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PhrasesAsking DirectionsQuesta zona è pedonale? Non posso entrare in macchina?
B1

Questa zona è pedonale? Non posso entrare in macchina?

Is this area pedestrian only? Can't I drive in?

Pronunciation

pe-do-NA-le — stress on third syllable. en-TRA-re — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

Ask this when you are driving and encounter a pedestrian zone sign, wanting to confirm whether the car can enter.

What it means

Questa zona è pedonale (is this area pedestrian only) — zona pedonale (pedestrian zone). Non posso entrare in macchina (can I not drive in) — posso (can I) + entrare (to enter) + in macchina (by car).

Variations

Dove posso parcheggiare fuori dalla ZTL?

Where can I park outside the ZTL?

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) — the restricted traffic zone around most Italian historic centres

C'è un parcheggio vicino alle mura?

Is there a car park near the walls?

Mura (walls) — medieval city walls often have car parks outside them

La zona pedonale finisce dove?

Where does the pedestrian zone end?

Asking where normal traffic rules resume

Mini Dialogue

— Questa zona è pedonale? Non posso entrare in macchina? — No, non può. È ZTL dalle 7 alle 20. C'è un parcheggio a cinquecento metri. — E se entro lo stesso? — Ci sono telecamere — le arriverà la multa a casa.

— Is this area pedestrian only? Can't I drive in? — No, you can't. It is ZTL from 7am to 8pm. There is a car park five hundred metres away. — And if I enter anyway? — There are cameras — the fine will arrive at your home.

Cultural Note

ZTL zones are found in almost every Italian historic centre — many tourists receive fines weeks after their holiday for unknowingly driving into them. Check the local ZTL maps before driving in any Italian city centre.