FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the Train StationA Bologna ho dodici minuti di coincidenza. Ce la faccio?
B1

A Bologna ho dodici minuti di coincidenza. Ce la faccio?

In Bologna I have twelve minutes for my connection. Will I make it?

Pronunciation

co-in-ci-DEN-za — stress on fourth syllable. 'Dodici' is DO-di-ci — stress on first syllable.

When to use it

When you have a tight connection and want a realistic assessment of whether you will make it.

What it means

'Ce la faccio?' (will I make it?) is an idiomatic expression using 'farcela' — one of Italian's most useful phrasal verbs. It means to succeed in doing something challenging. 'Dodici minuti di coincidenza' specifies your time window. Bologna Centrale is a main hub where this question is very common.

Variations

I binari sono vicini a Bologna?

Are the platforms close together in Bologna?

Bologna Centrale is compact — changes are manageable

Se perdo la coincidenza, c'è un treno successivo?

If I miss the connection, is there a next train?

Always have a backup plan

Il mio primo treno è in ritardo — perderò la coincidenza?

My first train is delayed — will I miss the connection?

Ask staff for real-time assessment

Mini Dialogue

— A Bologna ho dodici minuti di coincidenza. Ce la faccio? — Di solito sì, se i binari non sono lontani. Bologna è compatta. — E se il treno è in ritardo? — Se il ritardo è nostro, l'altro treno aspetta. Se è suo il problema, deve correre.

— In Bologna I have twelve minutes for my connection. Will I make it? — Usually yes, if the platforms are not far apart. Bologna is compact. — And if the train is delayed? — If the delay is our fault, the other train will wait. If the problem is yours, you need to run.

Cultural Note

Bologna Centrale is Italy's most important rail junction, connecting the north-south and east-west high-speed lines. The station is well organised with clear signage. Twelve minutes is generally enough for a connection at Bologna if both trains are on schedule. Staff make connection announcements and can hold connecting trains for short delays.