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PhrasesOn the MetroChe fermata è questa?
A1

Che fermata è questa?

What stop is this?

Pronunciation

'Fermata' — fer-MA-ta. Stress on the second syllable; the 'r' is lightly rolled.

When to use it

Ask when the train pulls into a station and you cannot see or hear the name. Ask a fellow passenger or look for the station name on the wall tiles.

What it means

'Che + noun + è…?' is a common question pattern meaning what… is…? It differs from 'Qual è…?' in nuance — 'che fermata' asks about the identity/name of this specific stop. Both patterns are widely used.

Variations

Come si chiama questa stazione?

What is this station called?

More formal version asking for the name.

Siamo a Tiburtina?

Are we at Tiburtina?

Confirms a specific station with a yes/no question.

Ho mancato la mia fermata?

Have I missed my stop?

Use if you suspect you went past your destination.

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, che fermata è questa? — Laurentina. È la capolinea. — Oh no, ho superato la mia! — Dove doveva scendere? — A Eur Fermi. — È solo due fermate indietro.

— Excuse me, what stop is this? — Laurentina. It's the end of the line. — Oh no, I went past mine! — Where were you supposed to get off? — At Eur Fermi. — It's only two stops back.

Cultural Note

Italian metro station names are displayed on the wall tiles of the platform at regular intervals. On older rolling stock you cannot always see the name before doors close. Looking at the tiled walls of the platform as you arrive is the safest way to identify the stop.