FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the HostelCi sono regole per il dormitorio?
B1informal

Ci sono regole per il dormitorio?

Are there rules for the dormitory?

Pronunciation

re-GO-le — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

Ask at check-in to understand dormitory etiquette, especially if this is your first hostel experience.

What it means

'Ci sono regole per' = are there rules for. 'Il dormitorio' = the dormitory. Dormitory etiquette is unwritten in most Italian hostels but revolves around: lights off at midnight, phones on silent, no food in the dormitory, and respecting others' sleep.

Variations

A che ora si spengono le luci?

What time are the lights turned off?

Many dormitories have a lights-off policy after midnight

Si può usare il telefono di notte?

Can you use the phone at night?

Screen light is one of the most disruptive things in a dark dormitory

Si può portare da mangiare in camera?

Can you bring food to the room?

Most Italian hostels prohibit food in dormitories to avoid insects and smells

Mini Dialogue

— Ci sono regole per il dormitorio? — Niente cibo, telefono in modalità silenziosa dopo mezzanotte, luci spente a mezzanotte e mezza. — E per gli armadietti? — Lasciali chiusi sempre. Hai il lucchetto?

— Are there rules for the dormitory? — No food, phone on silent after midnight, lights off at half past midnight. — And for the lockers? — Keep them locked always. Do you have a padlock?

Cultural Note

Italian hostel dormitory etiquette is largely unwritten but universally understood by experienced travellers: use a head torch instead of main lights when returning late, keep bags organised under your bed, and never sit on other people's beds. These unwritten rules make communal sleeping work.