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PhrasesCalling PoliceC'è una persona scomparsa.
B1formal

C'è una persona scomparsa.

There is a missing person.

Pronunciation

scom-PAR-sah — 'sc' before 'o' is a hard 'sk'; stress on the second syllable.

When to use it

Use to report a missing person. In Italy, you can file a report immediately — there is no mandatory waiting period.

What it means

'Scomparire' (to disappear) is used for missing persons. Italy does not have a 24-hour waiting rule — police can begin looking as soon as the report is filed.

Variations

Mio figlio non torna a casa da ieri sera.

My son has not come home since last night.

Gives time context — critical for prioritising the search.

Non riesco a contattare mia moglie da ore.

I have not been able to contact my wife for hours.

Communication breakdown as evidence of disappearance.

Voglio denunciare una persona scomparsa.

I want to report a missing person.

Direct request for the formal report process to begin.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è una persona scomparsa. Mia madre è uscita stamattina e non è tornata. — Quanti anni ha? — Settantadue anni, soffre di demenza. — È urgente. Le mando i moduli adesso e mando una pattuglia in zona.

— There is a missing person. My mother went out this morning and has not returned. — How old is she? — Seventy-two, she has dementia. — This is urgent. I'll send you the forms now and I'll send a patrol to the area.

Cultural Note

Italy has a national missing persons database (Banca Dati Persone Scomparse) coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior. Local reports are immediately entered into this national system.