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PhrasesOn the PlaneStiamo atterrando. Cosa devo fare?
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Stiamo atterrando. Cosa devo fare?

We are landing. What do I need to do?

Pronunciation

at-ter-RAN-do — the gerund. 'Atterrare' is to land. FA-re — stress on first syllable.

When to use it

As the aircraft begins its final descent and you want to confirm what preparations are needed.

What it means

'Stiamo atterrando' uses 'stare' + gerund to express an ongoing action in the present — 'we are landing'. This is the same construction as 'sto mangiando' (I am eating). 'Cosa devo fare?' (what do I need to do?) is a practical preparation question.

Variations

Devo rimettere il sedile in posizione verticale?

Do I have to put the seat upright?

Yes — always required for landing

Posso tenere il telefono acceso?

Can I keep my phone on?

In airplane mode, yes. Fully off is no longer required on most EU flights

Dove metto il vassoio del cibo?

Where do I put the food tray?

Fold it up and lock it before landing

Mini Dialogue

— Stiamo atterrando. Cosa devo fare? — Metta il sedile in posizione verticale, chiuda il tavolino e allacci la cintura. — I bagagli a mano? — Restino nel vano fino all'arrivo completo. Grazie per la collaborazione.

— We are landing. What do I need to do? — Put the seat upright, close the tray table, and fasten your seatbelt. — What about the hand luggage? — Stay in the compartment until we have fully arrived. Thank you for your cooperation.

Cultural Note

The final approach announcement in Italian is typically: 'Signore e signori, tra pochi minuti atterreremo all'aeroporto di... Si prega di rimettere i sedili in posizione verticale, riporre i tavolini e allacciare le cinture di sicurezza.' (Ladies and gentlemen, in a few minutes we will land at... airport. Please return seats to the upright position, stow tray tables and fasten seatbelts.)