49 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Un biglietto per questo film, per favore.
One ticket for this film, please.
Use at the ticket counter when buying a single ticket. Works at any Italian cinema, multiplex or independent. Always polite to add 'per favore'.
Che film danno stasera?
What films are they showing tonight?
Ask a friend or cinema staff informally what is on. Common in everyday conversation about going out. Can also be asked of the poster board at the entrance.
Il film è in lingua originale o doppiato?
Is the film in the original language or dubbed?
Ask before buying tickets if you want to watch in the original language. Essential for English speakers in Italy who want to follow dialogue. Also useful when accompanying Italian friends who prefer subtitles.
Posso scegliere il posto?
Can I choose my seat?
Ask at the ticket counter or on the booking screen. Italian multiplex cinemas nearly always have assigned seating. Arthouse cinemas may have free seating — this phrase clarifies the policy.
A che ora inizia il film?
What time does the film start?
Ask at the counter, on the phone, or when checking listings. A fundamental question any time you are planning a cinema trip. Also useful when you arrive and want to confirm the time.
Quanto costa il biglietto?
How much does the ticket cost?
Ask at the box office before buying. Useful when unsure whether discounts apply. Also appropriate at a ticket machine if no price is displayed.
Dov'è la sala numero tre?
Where is screen three?
Use in a multiplex cinema when you need to find your screen. Staff or ushers will point you in the right direction. Also useful if you got lost after the toilets.
Posso comprare qualcosa da mangiare?
Can I buy something to eat?
Ask at the concession stand or to a friend before entering the hall. Used when you want to grab snacks before the film. Also useful for asking if outside food is allowed.
Questo posto è occupato?
Is this seat taken?
Use in a cinema with free seating before sitting down. Polite way to check before sitting next to someone. Also appropriate in theatres, on trains, and at any venue with unassigned seats.
Mi scusi, devo passare.
Excuse me, I need to get through.
Say when squeezing past seated people in a cinema row. Also useful in any crowded venue — theatres, concerts, trains. More polite than just pushing through.
Potresti abbassare la voce, per favore?
Could you lower your voice, please?
Use politely when someone near you is talking too loudly during the film. The conditional 'potresti' softens the request considerably. Use quietly to avoid confrontation.
Che film mi consiglia?
Which film do you recommend?
Ask cinema staff or a friend who has already seen the options. A good conversation starter when you are undecided between films. Also useful at a DVD or streaming recommendation context.
Ho prenotato online. Ecco il codice di prenotazione.
I booked online. Here is the booking code.
Present at the ticket counter or self-service kiosk when you have already purchased tickets online. Show the QR code or booking number on your phone screen or printout.
C'è l'aria condizionata in sala?
Is there air conditioning in the screen?
Ask in summer when Italian cinema halls can be either too cold or not cool enough. Also useful in winter when heating may be excessive. Italian cinemas can have extreme temperatures.
Il film è adatto ai bambini?
Is the film suitable for children?
Ask before buying tickets when attending with children. Essential for parents unsure about age ratings. Cinema staff can explain the Italian rating system.
Il film ha già iniziato?
Has the film already started?
Ask when you arrive and are not sure whether you are late. Useful at the entrance or with an usher. Also appropriate when re-entering after a toilet break.
Dov'è il bagno?
Where is the toilet?
Ask any cinema staff member or look for signs. Best to go before the film starts. During the film, whisper to a neighbour or find an usher outside the hall.
Posso avere un rimborso?
Can I get a refund?
Use at the box office if the film is cancelled, the projector breaks, or you purchased the wrong ticket. Refund policies vary by cinema chain. Always polite to ask formally.
Non mi è piaciuto per niente.
I didn't like it at all.
Say to a friend after leaving the cinema when the film disappointed you. Strong negative reaction — 'per niente' emphasises total dislike. Used freely in conversation.
Mi ha fatto piangere!
It made me cry!
Share an emotional reaction with friends after an emotional film. Italians express emotions openly and this kind of candid statement is completely normal and socially positive.
Era noiosissimo.
It was extremely boring.
Strong informal expression for a very boring film. The '-issimo' superlative is a hallmark of Italian expressive speech. Use freely with friends post-cinema.
La fotografia era stupenda.
The cinematography was stunning.
Use when discussing a film's visual quality. 'Fotografia' in Italian film context means cinematography, not photography. Common in post-film discussion with anyone from friends to critics.
Che ne pensi?
What do you think of it?
Ask a friend for their opinion immediately after the film. One of the most versatile and common Italian conversation starters. Can be used for any film, book, restaurant, or experience.
Ho già visto questo film.
I've already seen this film.
Tell friends or family when they suggest a film you have already seen. Also useful when checking cinema listings and recognising a film from a previous run. Leads naturally to giving a recommendation.
Il protagonista è bravissimo.
The main actor is excellent.
Comment on a performer's skill during post-film discussion. Works for both male and female leads — 'protagonista' is grammatically masculine but used for both. Very common in Italian film conversation.
Il finale era completamente inaspettato.
The ending was completely unexpected.
Discuss the plot twist or ending of a film after watching it. Common in post-film conversation. Always check that your companion has finished watching before discussing spoilers.
È basato su una storia vera?
Is it based on a true story?
Ask before or after watching a film that appears to be based on real events. Very common question among Italian audiences. Also useful when discussing historical or biographical films.
Di che genere è il film?
What genre is the film?
Ask when choosing between films or when someone mentions a title you don't know. Helps you decide whether a film suits your tastes. Common in any film-related conversation.
È disponibile in 3D?
Is it available in 3D?
Ask at the counter or check listings when a big-budget film is showing. 3D is available at most multiplex cinemas in Italy. Sometimes you must rent or purchase 3D glasses separately.
Questo film ha vinto molti premi.
This film has won many awards.
Mention when recommending a film to someone or explaining why a particular arthouse film is worth watching. Also heard in cinema promotional materials and listings.
Preferisco il cinema d'autore.
I prefer arthouse cinema.
Express your cinematic taste when discussing films with Italians. 'Cinema d'autore' signals cultural sophistication and genuine film interest. Often leads to rich conversation.
Questo regista mi piace molto.
I like this director a lot.
Express appreciation for a director when discussing films. Knowing director names impresses Italian cinema-goers. Also used when checking listings and noticing a familiar name.
Posso portare una bottiglietta d'acqua in sala?
Can I bring a small water bottle into the screen?
Ask at the entrance or concession stand if you want to bring water in. Cinema policies vary. In summer especially, staying hydrated is important in Italian cinemas.
Avete una carta fedeltà?
Do you have a loyalty card?
Ask at the box office when buying tickets. Good to ask on your first visit to a new cinema. Italian multiplex chains usually offer loyalty programmes with points or stamps.
Si prega di spegnere i telefoni cellulari.
Please switch off your mobile phones.
This is a phrase you will hear from cinema staff or see on screen before the film. Knowing it helps you understand the announcement. You can also say it to remind a companion.
Quanto dura il film?
How long is the film?
Ask before buying tickets, especially for long films. Important when you have plans afterwards or are deciding whether to catch the last train. Also helps decide whether to eat before or after.
C'è un parcheggio vicino al cinema?
Is there a car park near the cinema?
Ask before heading to the cinema by car. Relevant in Italian cities where parking is limited and expensive. Most multiplexes have dedicated parking — independent cinemas may not.
È uscito da poco.
It just came out.
Describe a newly released film. 'Uscito da poco' implies it came out recently — within the last week or two. Useful when recommending something fresh or explaining why it is worth seeing in cinema.
Ne ho sentito parlare molto bene.
I've heard very good things about it.
Say when a film has been recommended to you by others or you've seen positive word-of-mouth. A diplomatic way to express interest without personally endorsing something you haven't seen.
Riesci a leggere i sottotitoli abbastanza velocemente?
Can you read the subtitles fast enough?
Ask a companion before choosing to watch a film in original language with subtitles. Important for Italian learners watching films in English with Italian subtitles. Also relevant for older relatives.
Ci sono ancora posti liberi in fondo alla sala?
Are there still free seats at the back of the screen?
Ask when you want to sit near the back for a better view of the whole screen. Useful in free-seating cinemas or when the screen map shows limited availability.
È considerato un film di culto.
It is considered a cult film.
Describe a film with a dedicated following, typically one that was not a mainstream hit on release but gained devoted fans over time. Used in conversation and film criticism.
Lo hanno già tolto dalle sale.
They've already taken it out of cinemas.
Say when a film you wanted to see is no longer showing. Common when a film had a short theatrical run. Also relevant when recommending an alternative viewing method (streaming, DVD).
C'è un'anteprima di questo film?
Is there a preview screening of this film?
Ask about special preview screenings before a film's official release. Also used to refer to film trailers shown before the main feature. Context determines which meaning applies.
Quando è uscito in Italia?
When did it come out in Italy?
Ask when a film you've heard about internationally was released in Italy. Italian release dates often differ from US or UK dates. Useful when discussing a film that came out abroad before arriving in Italy.
Che bella colonna sonora!
What a beautiful soundtrack!
Exclaim after a film when the music stood out. Common in post-film discussion. Italy has a rich tradition of film composition so music appreciation is culturally expected.
Ci vediamo dopo il film.
See you after the film.
Say to a friend when you are separating briefly — one going in early, the other arriving later. Also said when making arrangements for the evening around the cinema visit.
Questo film è in concorso a Venezia.
This film is in competition at Venice.
Discuss a film selected for the main competition at a major film festival. Used in cultural conversation, film journalism, and knowledgeable cinema discussion. Signals awareness of the film festival circuit.
Buona visione!
Enjoy the film!
Say to friends or cinema-goers before they enter the screen. Cinema staff say it automatically when handing over tickets. You can also say it at the end of a film recommendation.