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PhrasesMaking Phone CallsIl mio telefono si sta scaricando.
A2informal

Il mio telefono si sta scaricando.

My phone is running out of battery.

Pronunciation

Stress 'sca-RI-can-do'. 'Si sta scaricando' = progressive reflexive — it is discharging itself.

When to use it

Say this mid-call when your battery is critically low and you may be cut off. It prepares the other person for a possible interruption.

What it means

'Scaricarsi' = to run out of battery (reflexive of 'scaricare' = to discharge). 'Si sta scaricando' = it's running out. 'Ho la batteria scarica' = my battery is dead. 'Sto per rimanere senza batteria' = I'm about to run out of battery.

Variations

Ho la batteria al cinque per cento.

I have five percent battery.

Specifying the level.

Potrei cadere. Ti richiamo dal fisso.

I might drop. I'll call you back on the landline.

Warning of possible disconnection.

Hai un caricatore?

Do you have a charger?

In person, asking to borrow a charger.

Mini Dialogue

— Ti spiego la situazione: allora— — Aspetta, il mio telefono si sta scaricando. Ho solo il dieci per cento. — Allora fai presto! — Ok, velocemente: mi servirebbe la tua firma entro domani.

— Let me explain the situation: so— — Wait, my phone is running out of battery. I only have ten percent. — Then be quick! — Ok, quickly: I'd need your signature by tomorrow.

Cultural Note

Italians are very attached to their mobile phones ('cellulari') and 'avere il telefono scarico' (having a dead phone) is considered a minor social catastrophe. Public charging stations ('stazioni di ricarica') are increasingly found in Italian bars, airports, and shopping centres. 'Il caricatore' (charger) is one of the most borrowed items in Italian daily life.