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PhrasesAt the Petrol StationQuali sono gli orari di apertura?
A2

Quali sono gli orari di apertura?

What are the opening hours?

Pronunciation

'Apertura' — 'a-per-TU-ra'. Four syllables; stress on the third.

When to use it

Ask when you pass a station that looks useful and want to know whether it will be open when you return, or to plan a refuelling stop on a future journey.

What it means

'Quali sono' means 'what are'. 'Gli orari di apertura' means 'the opening hours'. Italian petrol stations typically have staffed hours (7AM–10PM) and automated self-service hours (24h).

Variations

Siete aperti anche il sabato?

Are you open on Saturdays too?

Checks weekend availability.

Restate aperti a Ferragosto?

Do you stay open for Ferragosto?

Relevant on August 15th — a major Italian holiday when many places close.

Il self è disponibile ventiquattr'ore?

Is the self-service available twenty-four hours?

Checks automated service availability.

Mini Dialogue

— Quali sono gli orari di apertura? — Il servito è dalle sette alle ventidue. Il self è sempre attivo. — Anche la domenica? — La domenica il servito è solo la mattina, dalle otto alle tredici.

— What are the opening hours? — Attended service is from seven to ten PM. Self-service is always active. — Sundays too? — On Sundays the attended service is mornings only, from eight to one.

Cultural Note

Italian petrol stations observe a 'pausa pranzo' (lunch break) culture less rigidly than shops, but smaller rural stations may close from 12:30–3 PM. Motorway stations are the exception and stay fully staffed around the clock.