Ho trovato uno zaino nel dormitorio.

I found a backpack in the dormitory.

Pronunciation

ZAI-no — two syllables, stress on the first. 'ai' is a diphthong.

When to use it

Report found items to reception. Never take items that do not belong to you from a hostel dormitory.

What it means

'Ho trovato' = I found (passato prossimo of 'trovare'). 'Uno zaino' = a backpack. 'Nel dormitorio' = in the dormitory. Reporting found items is the right thing to do — the owner may be searching desperately. Italian hostels keep found items for 30–90 days.

Variations

Ho perso il mio zaino nel dormitorio.

I lost my backpack in the dormitory.

Report a lost item from the guest perspective

Qualcuno ha trovato una giacca rossa?

Has anyone found a red jacket?

Describe the lost item in detail to help identification

Dove è l'ufficio oggetti smarriti?

Where is the lost property office?

Ask at reception — they handle all found items

Mini Dialogue

— Ho trovato uno zaino nel dormitorio. Non so di chi sia. — Grazie per averlo segnalato. Lo tengo alla reception. Ha qualcosa di identificativo? — C'è un nome scritto all'interno: 'Tom Baker'. — Lo sto cercando! Grazie mille.

— I found a backpack in the dormitory. I do not know whose it is. — Thank you for reporting it. I will keep it at reception. Does it have any identification? — There is a name written inside: 'Tom Baker'. — I have been looking for him! Thank you very much.

Cultural Note

Petty theft in hostel dormitories exists everywhere, but Italian hostels are generally safe. The most common incidents involve unattended items in common areas rather than dormitories. Always use your locker for valuables and never leave laptops or cameras visible on your bed.

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