FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the Petrol StationDove sono le pompe self-service?
A2

Dove sono le pompe self-service?

Where are the self-service pumps?

Pronunciation

'Self-service' is used as-is in Italian, pronounced approximately 'SELF-ser-vis'.

When to use it

Ask when you want to use the cheaper self-service pumps but cannot identify which ones they are in a large station.

What it means

'Le pompe' means the pumps. 'Self-service' is used in Italian exactly as in English. Italian stations typically label self-service pumps clearly, but asking an attendant is the quickest way to find them.

Variations

Questa è la corsia servito o self?

Is this lane attended or self-service?

Checks the status of a specific pump.

Posso fare da solo?

Can I do it myself?

Asks if self-service is allowed on a specific pump.

Il self è più economico?

Is self-service cheaper?

Confirms the price difference before choosing.

Mini Dialogue

— Dove sono le pompe self-service? — Sulla corsia di sinistra, quelle gialle. — Si paga prima o dopo? — Prima, alla cassa automatica.

— Where are the self-service pumps? — On the left lane, the yellow ones. — Do you pay before or after? — Before, at the automatic cashier.

Cultural Note

At Italian 'self-service' pumps you typically pay at an automatic machine before or after fuelling, depending on the station. Many machines accept both cash and cards. The 'servito' (attended) pumps are always more expensive per litre.