Ho bisogno di un lucchetto per l'armadietto.

I need a padlock for the locker.

Pronunciation

luc-CHET-to — three syllables, stress on the second. Double 'c' makes the sound harder.

When to use it

Ask at reception if you did not bring a padlock. Most Italian hostels sell or rent them.

What it means

'Ho bisogno di' + noun = I need. 'Lucchetto' = padlock. 'Armadietto' = locker (literally 'little wardrobe'). Most hostels have lockers but guests must provide their own padlock or rent one. Never leave valuables in an unlocked locker.

Variations

Vendete lucchetti?

Do you sell padlocks?

Hostels often stock padlocks at the reception for purchase

Si possono noleggiare i lucchetti?

Can you rent padlocks?

Some hostels rent padlocks with a deposit rather than selling them

Posso tenere il passaporto alla reception?

Can I keep my passport at reception?

Some hostels offer a safe at reception for documents and valuables

Mini Dialogue

— Ho bisogno di un lucchetto per l'armadietto. Non ne ho portato uno. — Ne vendiamo uno da tre euro o puoi noleggiarlo con un deposito di cinque. — Lo compro. Eccoti i tre euro. — Ecco il lucchetto con le istruzioni per l'armadietto.

— I need a padlock for the locker. I did not bring one. — We sell one for three euros or you can rent it with a five euro deposit. — I will buy it. Here are the three euros. — Here is the padlock with the locker instructions.

Cultural Note

Hostel lockers in Italy are typically made of metal with a standard padlock loop. The TSA-approved combination padlocks popular with travellers work well. For security, keep your passport, credit cards, and phone locked away when sleeping — petty theft in dormitories is not common in Italy but does occur.

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Dov'è il mio letto?

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