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PhrasesCalling PoliceStanno litigando in strada.
A2

Stanno litigando in strada.

They are fighting in the street.

Pronunciation

lee-tee-GAN-doh — 'litigare' in the gerund; stress on the third syllable.

When to use it

Use when reporting a street fight or violent argument that could escalate. Police intervention can prevent the situation from worsening.

What it means

'Litigare' covers arguing and fighting. For purely physical violence say 'si stanno picchiando' (they are hitting each other) to indicate no words are involved.

Variations

C'è una rissa in strada.

There is a brawl in the street.

'Rissa' specifically means a physical fight — stronger than 'litigio'.

Si stanno picchiando.

They are hitting each other.

Signals physical contact — escalates urgency.

Due uomini stanno urlando e spingendosi.

Two men are shouting and pushing each other.

Detailed description helps officers assess the threat level.

Mini Dialogue

— Pronto, polizia? Stanno litigando in strada davanti al mio palazzo. — Sono in quanti? — Tre o quattro persone, uno ha già il naso che sanguina. — Mando subito una pattuglia. Resti al sicuro.

— Hello, police? They are fighting in the street in front of my building. — How many people are there? — Three or four people, one already has a bleeding nose. — I'm sending a patrol right away. Stay safe.

Cultural Note

Failure to call for help when someone is in danger ('omissione di soccorso') can be a criminal offence under Italian law.