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PhrasesAt the CinemaPosso portare una bottiglietta d'acqua in sala?
A2

Posso portare una bottiglietta d'acqua in sala?

Can I bring a small water bottle into the screen?

Pronunciation

bot-ti-GLIET-ta — 'gli' sounds like 'lli' in 'million'. Diminutive of 'bottiglia'.

When to use it

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.

What it means

Most Italian cinemas allow sealed water bottles. Some ask you to transfer drinks into cinema cups to prevent noise. Plastic bags ('buste di plastica') are often asked to be left outside as they make noise during the film. This is particularly enforced at arthouse cinemas.

Variations

Si possono portare bevande in sala?

Can you bring drinks into the screen?

More general question about all beverages.

Hanno l'acqua al bar?

Do they have water at the bar?

Simpler — just asking if water is available for purchase inside.

Posso portare anche i miei snack?

Can I bring my own snacks too?

Asks about outside food — policy varies by cinema.

Mini Dialogue

— Posso portare una bottiglietta d'acqua in sala? — Sì, certo, purché sia chiusa e non faccia rumore. — E i popcorn che ho comprato qui fuori? — Anche quelli vanno benissimo, non si preoccupi. — Grazie.

— Can I bring a small water bottle into the screen? — Yes, of course, as long as it's closed and doesn't make noise. — And the popcorn I bought out here? — Those are fine too, don't worry. — Thank you.

Cultural Note

Italian cinemas, especially older ones, can be warm in summer. Bringing water is practical and largely accepted. However, the sound of plastic bottles or bags during quiet scenes is considered very rude.