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PhrasesAt the Petrol StationMetta la benzina senza piombo.
A2formal

Metta la benzina senza piombo.

Put in unleaded petrol.

Pronunciation

'Piombo' — 'PYOM-bo'. Two syllables; 'io' is a diphthong.

When to use it

Specify the fuel type to an attendant. In Italy, almost all petrol is unleaded — 'senza piombo' (without lead) is the standard but it is good to say it explicitly.

What it means

'Metta' is the formal imperative of 'mettere' (to put). 'Benzina senza piombo' is unleaded petrol — the standard fuel for petrol engines. 'Benzina super' or '98 ottani' is premium grade.

Variations

Voglio la benzina da 98 ottani.

I want 98 octane petrol.

Specifies premium-grade petrol for high-performance engines.

Metta il gasolio, è un diesel.

Put in diesel, it's a diesel engine.

Specifies diesel for a diesel car.

GPL o metano? Che differenza c'è?

LPG or methane? What's the difference?

Asks about alternative fuel options common in Italy.

Mini Dialogue

— Metta la benzina senza piombo. — Quanto ne metto? — Il pieno, grazie. — D'accordo. Controllo anche l'olio?

— Put in unleaded petrol. — How much shall I put in? — Fill it up, thanks. — All right. Shall I also check the oil?

Cultural Note

Italy has a high rate of LPG ('GPL') and methane ('metano') vehicles. Many Italian-registered cars are bi-fuel (petrol + LPG). If your rental car has a blue LPG cap alongside the standard cap, always ask before fuelling.