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PhrasesNeighbourhood LifeLa lampadina delle scale si è bruciata.
A1

La lampadina delle scale si è bruciata.

The staircase light bulb has blown.

Pronunciation

lam-PA-di-na — four syllables; stress the second; double 'p' gives a crisp hold.

When to use it

Use this to report a blown bulb in a common area of the building — staircase, entrance, car park. It is a simple maintenance report that should go to the amministratore or the portiere.

What it means

Lampadina (light bulb) replacement in shared building areas is the condominium's responsibility and is managed by the amministratore or portiere. Reporting it is the correct first step — do not attempt to replace it yourself as it may require specific wattage, fitting type, or may be part of an integrated lighting system.

Variations

La luce nell'androne non funziona.

The light in the entrance hall isn't working.

Androne is another word for the entrance hall/lobby; common in older Italian buildings.

Le luci del parcheggio sotterraneo sono spente.

The underground car park lights are off.

A safety issue; underground car parks require adequate lighting under Italian law.

Il sensore di movimento delle scale non funziona.

The motion sensor on the stairs isn't working.

Modern buildings have motion-activated lighting on stairs; fault reporting is the same.

Mini Dialogue

— La lampadina delle scale tra il secondo e il terzo piano si è bruciata. — Grazie per la segnalazione. Lo dico all'amministratore. — Intanto è buio — qualcuno potrebbe cadere. — Hai ragione. Chiamo subito il manutentore. Nel frattempo lasci la porta di casa leggermente aperta per fare luce.

— The staircase light bulb between the second and third floor has blown. — Thank you for reporting it. I'll tell the administrator. — In the meantime it's dark — someone could fall. — You're right. I'll call the maintenance man immediately. Meanwhile leave your front door slightly open for light.

Cultural Note

Italian apartment building staircases are frequent accident sites — marble steps, inadequate lighting, and the absence of handrails on some older buildings create real hazards. Italian law requires adequate illumination of stairways (Decreto Ministeriale 246/1987). Buildings that fail to maintain adequate lighting are liable for accidents caused by darkness. Reporting blown bulbs promptly is both a practical and legal responsibility.