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PhrasesAt the Shoe ShopSono impermeabili?
A2

Sono impermeabili?

Are they waterproof?

Pronunciation

'Impermeabili' — 'im-per-me-A-bi-li'. Six syllables. Stress on fourth. The plural adds '-i'.

When to use it

Practical question for autumn/winter shoes or boots. Italian cities have wet winters — waterproof shoes are genuinely important for daily city life.

What it means

'Impermeabili' = waterproof (plural adjective, agreeing with plural 'scarpe'). 'Idrorepellenti' = water-repellent (not fully waterproof). 'Resistenti all'acqua' = water-resistant.

Variations

Resistono all'acqua?

Do they resist water?

Asking about water resistance generally

Posso trattarle con il spray impermeabilizzante?

Can I treat them with waterproofing spray?

Asking if treatment is possible and safe

Per la pioggia quotidiana vanno bene?

Are they fine for everyday rain?

Practical daily-use question

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Questi stivali sono impermeabili? Commessa: Hanno trattamento idrorepellente, ma non sono completamente impermeabili. Per la pioggia normale vanno benissimo. Cliente: E per la neve? Commessa: Preferirei quelli con Gore-Tex — le mostro.

Customer: Are these boots waterproof? Assistant: They have a water-repellent treatment, but they're not completely waterproof. For normal rain they're fine. Customer: And for snow? Assistant: I'd prefer those with Gore-Tex — let me show you.

Cultural Note

Italian city winters are wetter than many tourists expect. Milan, Venice and Turin have significant rainfall. A good waterproofing spray ('spray impermeabilizzante') is a must-buy in any Italian shoe shop for leather shoes.