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PhrasesMaking Phone CallsCome si compone il numero?
A2

Come si compone il numero?

How do I dial the number?

Pronunciation

Stress 'com-PO-ne'. 'Si compone' = it is composed/dialled.

When to use it

Ask this when using an unfamiliar phone system, switchboard, or international dialling. Also useful in hotels when calling external numbers.

What it means

'Comporre un numero' = to dial a number. 'Come si compone' = how does one dial (impersonal). In Italian hotels ('alberghi'), you typically need to dial '0' or '9' for an outside line before the number. 'Selezione esterna' = external line.

Variations

Devo fare il prefisso prima?

Do I need to dial the area code first?

Asking about area codes.

C'è un prefisso per la linea esterna?

Is there a prefix for the external line?

Hotel or office context.

Il numero è occupato.

The number is busy.

When the line is engaged.

Mini Dialogue

— Come si compone un numero esterno da questa camera? — Fa lo zero per la linea esterna, poi il numero. — E per chiamare un numero di Milano? — Zero, poi zero-due, poi il numero.

— How do I dial an external number from this room? — Dial zero for the outside line, then the number. — And to call a Milan number? — Zero, then zero-two, then the number.

Cultural Note

Italian hotels ('alberghi') still commonly use internal switchboards. Area codes in Italy ('prefissi telefonici') vary by city: 02 (Milan), 06 (Rome), 041 (Venice), 055 (Florence), 081 (Naples), 091 (Palermo). Landline numbers including the area code are 10 digits total.