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PhrasesOn the TrainHo fame. C'è qualcosa da mangiare vicino al mio posto?
A2

Ho fame. C'è qualcosa da mangiare vicino al mio posto?

I am hungry. Is there something to eat near my seat?

Pronunciation

FA-me — stress on first syllable. vi-CI-no — stress on second syllable. Man-GIA-re — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

Ask a fellow passenger or use this to locate the bistro car or trolley service when you are hungry on a train journey.

What it means

Ho fame (I am hungry) — avere fame, literally 'to have hunger'. C'è qualcosa da mangiare (is there something to eat) — qualcosa da + infinitive expresses availability for a purpose. Vicino al mio posto (near my seat).

Variations

Passa il carrello con i panini?

Does the trolley with sandwiches pass?

Carrello (trolley) — some trains have a trolley service that comes to your seat

Posso ordinare qualcosa al bar e portarlo al posto?

Can I order something at the bar and bring it to my seat?

Buying from the bistro and eating at your seat is perfectly normal

Hanno qualcosa di caldo sul treno?

Do they have anything hot on the train?

Hot food availability varies — Frecciarossa bistro has pasta and warm dishes

Mini Dialogue

— Ho fame. C'è qualcosa da mangiare vicino al mio posto? — Sì, il vagone bar è due carrozze avanti. Hanno panini e pasta. — Grazie. Sa se è caro? — Abbastanza, ma non si può fare altrimenti sul treno.

— I am hungry. Is there something to eat near my seat? — Yes, the bar carriage is two carriages ahead. They have sandwiches and pasta. — Thank you. Do you know if it's expensive? — Quite, but there's no other option on the train.

Cultural Note

Italian train food has improved enormously — the Frecciarossa bistro now sells quality regional products including regional cheeses, cured meats, and proper espresso. Prices are higher than outside but quality is genuine.