FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesMaking Phone CallsLa linea è disturbata. Non la sento bene.
A2

La linea è disturbata. Non la sento bene.

The line is bad. I can't hear you well.

Pronunciation

Stress 'di-stur-BA-ta'. 'Sento' = SEN-to — I hear.

When to use it

Use this when the phone connection is poor, there's interference, or you're struggling to hear the other person clearly.

What it means

'Linea disturbata' = bad line/disturbed line. 'Non la sento bene' = I can't hear you well (formal 'la' = you). Informal version: 'non ti sento bene'. 'Disturbata' suggests interference; 'linea debole' means weak signal.

Variations

Scusi, può ripetere? Non la sento.

Sorry, can you repeat? I can't hear you.

Asking to repeat.

La voce spezza. C'è poca copertura.

The voice is breaking up. There's poor coverage.

Describing the interference.

Provo a richiamare.

I'll try calling back.

Suggesting to hang up and reconnect.

Mini Dialogue

— La linea è disturbata. Non la sento bene. — Ah sì, mi trovò in un tunnel. Un attimo. — Ora va meglio? — Sì, perfetto. Mi sentite adesso?

— The line is bad. I can't hear you well. — Ah yes, I'm in a tunnel. One moment. — Is it better now? — Yes, perfect. Can you hear me now?

Cultural Note

Mobile coverage ('copertura') in Italy varies considerably between urban and rural areas. Southern Italy and mountainous areas like the Alps and Apennines have historically had poor coverage. Italian phone providers (TIM, Vodafone Italia, WindTre, Iliad Italia) are investing heavily in 5G rollout to address this.