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PhrasesAt the PortVorrei un posto vicino al finestrino.
A2

Vorrei un posto vicino al finestrino.

I would like a seat near the window.

Pronunciation

'Finestrino' — fi-nes-TRI-no. Stress on the third syllable; the diminutive of 'finestra' (window).

When to use it

Say this at the ticket or check-in desk when booking a seat on a fast ferry or hydrofoil. Window seats give views of the coast and islands during the crossing.

What it means

'Vorrei' (I would like) is the conditional of 'volere' — the polite Italian form for requests. It is more refined than 'voglio' (I want) which can sound demanding. 'Vicino a' + article (vicino al, vicino alla) means near or next to.

Variations

Preferisco sedermi sul lato sinistro.

I prefer to sit on the left side.

Specifies which side of the vessel.

Ha ancora posti disponibili?

Do you still have seats available?

Check availability before specifying a preference.

Vorrei un posto fuori, sul ponte.

I would like an outside seat, on deck.

Prefer the open air over interior seating.

Mini Dialogue

— Vorrei un posto vicino al finestrino. — Per la traversata di quaranta minuti, tutti i posti hanno una buona vista. — Perfetto, allora uno qualsiasi. — Ecco il suo biglietto, posto 14A.

— I would like a seat near the window. — For the forty-minute crossing, all seats have a good view. — Perfect, then any seat. — Here is your ticket, seat 14A.

Cultural Note

On fast ferries to Capri, the bow seats offer spectacular views of the island approaching. However, these are also the bumpiest seats in choppy water. If seasick, ask for an interior middle seat at the centre of gravity of the vessel.