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PhrasesAt the PortC'è un aliscafo per Capri?
B1

C'è un aliscafo per Capri?

Is there a hydrofoil to Capri?

Pronunciation

'Aliscafo' — a-li-SCA-fo. Stress on the third syllable; 'sc' before 'a' is hard, like 'sk'.

When to use it

Ask when you want a faster crossing and are willing to pay more. Hydrofoils are significantly faster than standard ferries but cannot operate in rough seas.

What it means

'Aliscafo' means hydrofoil — a fast boat that rises above the water on underwater wings. 'Ali' means wings; 'scafo' means hull. This compound word perfectly describes the vessel. It is faster but smaller and more affected by weather than a conventional ferry ('traghetto').

Variations

Quanto dura la traversata in aliscafo?

How long is the hydrofoil crossing?

Asks for journey time.

L'aliscafo costa più del traghetto?

Does the hydrofoil cost more than the ferry?

Compares costs.

In caso di mare mosso, partono lo stesso?

If the sea is rough, do they still leave?

Checks weather cancellation policy.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un aliscafo per Capri da Napoli? — Sì, da Molo Beverello, parte ogni ora. — Quanto dura? — Circa quaranta minuti, quasi la metà del traghetto.

— Is there a hydrofoil to Capri from Naples? — Yes, from Molo Beverello, it leaves every hour. — How long does it take? — About forty minutes, almost half the time of the ferry.

Cultural Note

Hydrofoils (aliscafi) are the preferred way to reach Capri from Naples for day-trippers. The journey takes 40 minutes vs. 80 minutes for the ferry. However, in rough seas (mare mosso) the hydrofoil service is suspended first — the ferry continues in worse conditions.