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PhrasesAt the GymHo bisogno di un asciugamano.
A1

Ho bisogno di un asciugamano.

I need a towel.

Pronunciation

Stress 'a-sciu-ga-MA-no'. The 'sci' makes a 'sh' sound.

When to use it

Use this if you forgot your towel and the gym provides rental towels, or if you need to purchase one at the front desk.

What it means

'Ho bisogno di' means 'I need' (literally 'I have need of'). It is always followed by 'di' + noun. This construction is essential for expressing needs in Italian: 'Ho bisogno di acqua' (I need water), 'Ho bisogno di aiuto' (I need help).

Variations

Vendete asciugamani?

Do you sell towels?

If you want to buy one.

Posso noleggiare un asciugamano?

Can I rent a towel?

If the gym rents them out.

Ho dimenticato l'asciugamano.

I forgot my towel.

Explaining the situation.

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, ho bisogno di un asciugamano. Ho dimenticato il mio. — Possiamo noleggiarne uno per un euro. — Perfetto, lo prendo. — Eccolo. Lo lasci pure al banco quando ha finito.

— Excuse me, I need a towel. I forgot mine. — We can rent you one for one euro. — Perfect, I'll take it. — Here you go. Just leave it at the desk when you're done.

Cultural Note

Italian gym rules almost universally require a towel on all machines and benches. Signs reading 'È obbligatorio l'uso dell'asciugamano' (Use of a towel is mandatory) are standard. Some gyms provide small disposable paper mats as an alternative.