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PhrasesAt the CinemaDov'è la sala numero tre?
A1

Dov'è la sala numero tre?

Where is screen three?

Pronunciation

SA-la — short, clear 'a' sounds. The 's' is unvoiced here.

When to use it

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.

What it means

Italian multiplexes (multisale) can have anywhere from 4 to 20+ screens. Each screen is called a 'sala' and is numbered. Your ticket will show the sala number. Signs (cartelli) are usually posted but can be confusing in large venues.

Variations

In quale sala è il film?

Which screen is the film in?

Useful if you forgot to note the sala number.

Come si arriva alla sala cinque?

How do I get to screen five?

Asks for directions rather than just location.

Dove sono le scale per le sale al piano superiore?

Where are the stairs to the upstairs screens?

Useful in multi-floor multiplexes.

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, dov'è la sala numero tre? — Al secondo piano, prenda le scale a destra. — C'è anche l'ascensore? — Sì, in fondo al corridoio. — Grazie mille.

— Excuse me, where is screen three? — On the second floor, take the stairs on the right. — Is there a lift too? — Yes, at the end of the corridor. — Thank you very much.

Cultural Note

Large Italian multiplexes like The Space Cinema or UCI Cinemas can be very big. Staff in uniform are called 'maschere' — a historical term from when cinema ushers wore a sort of costume or uniform.