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PhrasesAt the Petrol StationPuò pulire il parabrezza?
A2formal

Può pulire il parabrezza?

Can you clean the windscreen?

Pronunciation

'Parabrezza' — 'pa-ra-BRED-za'. Four syllables; stress on the third.

When to use it

Ask an attendant at a full-service pump to clean your windscreen, which is often offered automatically but can also be specifically requested.

What it means

'Pulire' means to clean. 'Il parabrezza' is the windscreen (from 'parare' = to shield + 'brezza' = breeze). This is a standard service at attended Italian pumps and is typically included in the slightly higher attended price.

Variations

Può pulire anche il lunotto posteriore?

Can you also clean the rear window?

'Lunotto posteriore' is the rear windscreen.

Ho degli stracci? Il vetro è sporco.

Do you have cloths? The glass is dirty.

'Stracci' are cleaning rags; useful at self-service stations.

C'è del tergicristallo?

Is there windscreen washer fluid?

Asks about the squeegee-and-soap bucket.

Mini Dialogue

— Può pulire il parabrezza? — Subito. Le pulisco anche i vetri laterali? — Sì, grazie mille. — Ecco fatto. È un po' ammaccato in basso, lo sa?

— Can you clean the windscreen? — Right away. Shall I clean the side windows too? — Yes, many thanks. — All done. There's a small chip at the bottom, just so you know.

Cultural Note

At Italian attended pumps, cleaning the windscreen is a common courtesy service included in the price premium. It is not expected to tip extra for this — a warm thank-you ('grazie mille') is the standard appreciation.