Ha bisogno di un interprete?

Do you need an interpreter?

Pronunciation

in-TER-pre-te — four syllables. The 'e' at the end is pronounced. Stress on second syllable.

When to use it

A doctor or receptionist might ask you this. Or you might request one yourself: 'Ho bisogno di un interprete.'

What it means

'Ha bisogno di' is the formal 'lei' form of 'avere bisogno di' (to need). When making the request yourself: 'Ho bisogno di un interprete' (I need an interpreter). In the public Italian health system, telephone interpretation services are available in some hospitals for non-Italian speakers.

Variations

Ho bisogno di un interprete in inglese.

I need an interpreter in English.

Specify the language needed

Parla qualcuno inglese qui?

Does anyone speak English here?

Informal, practical alternative when no formal interpreter is available

Posso usare il telefono per tradurre?

Can I use the phone to translate?

Asking permission to use a translation app — most Italian doctors accept this

Mini Dialogue

— Parla italiano? — Un po', non molto bene. — Ha bisogno di un interprete? — Sì, sarebbe utile. Parlo inglese. — Proviamo in inglese insieme. Se non capisce, chiamo il servizio di mediazione linguistica.

— Do you speak Italian? — A little, not very well. — Do you need an interpreter? — Yes, that would be helpful. I speak English. — Let us try in English together. If you do not understand, I will call the language mediation service.

Cultural Note

Many larger Italian hospitals, especially in cities like Milan, Rome, and Bologna, have 'mediatori linguistici e culturali' (cultural and language mediators) for common languages. Some regions offer telephone interpretation. In smaller towns, a doctor may use Google Translate or ask a bilingual colleague. Private hospitals in tourist areas often have English-speaking staff.

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