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PhrasesAt the Petrol StationQuanti chilometri mancano alla prossima stazione?
B1

Quanti chilometri mancano alla prossima stazione?

How many kilometres to the next petrol station?

Pronunciation

'Chilometri' — 'ki-LO-me-tri'. Four syllables; stress on the second.

When to use it

Ask when your fuel is getting low in a rural area and you want to know if you can safely reach the next station.

What it means

'Mancano' from 'mancare' means 'are missing/remaining'. 'Alla prossima stazione' means 'to the next station'. This is a vital phrase on Italian country roads where stations can be 40–50 km apart.

Variations

Ce la faccio con questo carburante?

Will I make it with this fuel?

Direct question about whether you have enough fuel.

C'è un distributore prima dell'autostrada?

Is there a petrol station before the motorway?

Specific to the upcoming motorway junction.

La spia della benzina è accesa.

The fuel warning light is on.

States the emergency; prompts immediate advice.

Mini Dialogue

— Quanti chilometri mancano alla prossima stazione? — Sulla statale ce n'è una a trenta chilometri. — Ho quasi finito la benzina. — Faccia piano allora, consuma meno.

— How many kilometres to the next petrol station? — On the main road there's one thirty kilometres away. — I've almost run out of petrol. — Drive slowly then, you'll use less.

Cultural Note

In rural Italy, especially in inland Sardinia, Calabria, and the Apennine mountain roads, petrol stations can be genuinely sparse. The Italian AA equivalent (ACI) recommends never dropping below a quarter tank in these areas.