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PhrasesAt the OpticianLa montatura si è storta. Può aggiustarla?
A2

La montatura si è storta. Può aggiustarla?

The frame is bent. Can you straighten it?

Pronunciation

mon-ta-TU-ra — four syllables, stress on third. 'Storta' — STOR-ta, bent/twisted.

When to use it

Visit any optician with bent, loose, or uncomfortable frames. Minor adjustments are usually free.

What it means

'Montatura storta' = bent/crooked frame. 'Aggiustare' = to fix/adjust. Most Italian opticians offer free adjustments even if you did not buy the glasses there — it is a professional courtesy. Common issues: 'gli occhiali scivolano giù' (glasses keep sliding down), 'le stanghette fanno male alle orecchie' (temples hurt the ears), 'una lente è allentata' (one lens is loose).

Variations

Gli occhiali mi scivolano continuamente.

My glasses keep sliding down.

Frame adjustment for fit — the optician can tighten nose pads or temples

Una stanghetta si è rotta. È riparabile?

One temple broke. Is it repairable?

Broken temples can often be welded or replaced — ask the optician

Il naso mi fa male con questi occhiali.

My nose hurts with these glasses.

Nose pad adjustment needed — opticians adjust nose pads easily

Mini Dialogue

— La montatura si è storta. Sono caduto e si sono piegati gli occhiali. — Vediamo. Sì, ci ha preso bene — il frontale è tutto storto. — È riparabile? — Sì, con il calore possiamo raddrizzarli. Aspetti qualche minuto. — Grazie. Addebita qualcosa? — Per una piccola riparazione no. È un servizio che offriamo.

— The frame is bent. I fell and the glasses got bent. — Let me see. Yes, they are quite bent — the front is all twisted. — Is it repairable? — Yes, with heat we can straighten them. Wait a few minutes. — Thank you. Do you charge anything? — For a small repair no. It is a service we offer.

Cultural Note

Italian opticians (especially family-run 'ottiche') are known for their customer service — free adjustments, minor repairs, and cleaning are standard. The Italian optical retail sector is a mix of independent shops ('ottiche indipendenti') and large chains ('GrandVision', 'Salmoiraghi & Viganò', 'Ottica Avanzi'). Independent shops often offer more personalised service and advice. The 'ottico' profession in Italy requires a 3-year post-diploma specialisation or university degree.