FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt a Local FestivalHo perso mio figlio. Può aiutarmi?
A2

Ho perso mio figlio. Può aiutarmi?

I've lost my child. Can you help me?

Pronunciation

Figlio: FEEL-yo. The gli makes the 'ly' sound. Figlia for a daughter.

When to use it

An emergency phrase — use immediately and loudly. Italian crowds at festivals are generally extremely helpful in child-loss emergencies and will organise quickly.

What it means

Ho perso mio figlio — 'I have lost my son'. The passato prossimo expresses recent past. Può aiutarmi is 'can you help me' (formal). Use figlia for a daughter.

Variations

C'è un punto di raccolta per i bambini smarriti?

Is there a meeting point for lost children?

Major festivals often designate a lost children point.

Mia figlia ha sei anni e indossa una maglietta rossa.

My daughter is six and wearing a red T-shirt.

Description is essential — give age and clothing immediately.

Può fare un annuncio?

Can you make an announcement?

Ask the festival PA system operator for a lost child announcement.

Mini Dialogue

— Ho perso mio figlio! Può aiutarmi? — Subito! Quanti anni ha? — Otto anni, capelli ricci, maglietta blu. — Vada al gazebo rosso — è il punto di raccolta. Io avviso le guardie.

— I've lost my child! Can you help me? — Right away! How old is he? — Eight years old, curly hair, blue T-shirt. — Go to the red gazebo — it's the meeting point. I'll alert the security.

Cultural Note

Italian village festivals are generally safe family environments where everyone knows everyone. Lost children at small sagre are typically found within minutes because the entire community mobilises instantly. The carabinieri often have a presence at larger festivals specifically for this purpose.