FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesHiking in ItalyC'è un temporale in arrivo. Dove possiamo ripararci?
B1

C'è un temporale in arrivo. Dove possiamo ripararci?

There's a thunderstorm coming. Where can we take shelter?

Pronunciation

Ripararci: ree-pah-RAHR-chee. Reflexive infinitive — to shelter ourselves. Stress on the third syllable.

When to use it

Use urgently when you see storm clouds building. Lightning above the treeline is extremely dangerous — finding shelter quickly is a priority.

What it means

In arrivo means 'arriving / incoming'. Ripararci is the reflexive infinitive of riparare — 'to take shelter'. Dove possiamo means 'where can we'. A practical emergency phrase.

Variations

Non stare sotto gli alberi durante i fulmini!

Don't stand under trees during lightning!

Critical safety warning — say this clearly.

Il rifugio è vicino?

Is the hut nearby?

The immediate practical solution.

Quanto dura di solito il temporale in montagna?

How long does a mountain thunderstorm usually last?

Alpine storms are often short but intense — 20-40 minutes.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un temporale in arrivo. Dove possiamo ripararci? — Il rifugio è a venti minuti, ma troppo lontano. — Allora? — Scendiamo sotto il limite degli alberi e aspettiamo in un avvallamento.

— There's a thunderstorm coming. Where can we take shelter? — The hut is twenty minutes away, but too far. — So? — Let's go down below the treeline and wait in a hollow.

Cultural Note

Alpine thunderstorms in Italy (temporali alpini) typically build from midday and peak in the afternoon — the standard advice is to reach summits by noon and begin descent before 1pm. This is taken very seriously by experienced Italian mountaineers and guides.