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PhrasesOn the TrainQuesto è il vagone silenzio?
A2

Questo è il vagone silenzio?

Is this the quiet carriage?

Pronunciation

si-LEN-zio — stress on second syllable. va-GO-ne — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When boarding and looking for the carriage designated for quiet travel.

What it means

'Vagone silenzio' (quiet carriage) is Italy's equivalent of the 'quiet zone' found on trains in many countries. 'È questo?' (is this?) or 'questo è?' is the confirmation question. In the quiet carriage, phone calls and loud conversations are not permitted.

Variations

In questo vagone si può telefonare?

Can you make phone calls in this carriage?

Check the rules — in quiet zone, no

Scusi, potrebbe abbassare la voce?

Excuse me, could you lower your voice?

Polite request in any quiet environment

Posso parlare al telefono qui?

Can I talk on the phone here?

Always ask about the rules of the carriage

Mini Dialogue

— Questo è il vagone silenzio? — Sì, è il vagone 7. Le telefonate non sono permesse. — Perfetto, ho bisogno di lavorare in tranquillità. — Benvenuto allora. Buon lavoro.

— Is this the quiet carriage? — Yes, it's carriage 7. Phone calls are not permitted. — Perfect, I need to work in peace. — Welcome then. Good work.

Cultural Note

Trenitalia designates one or two carriages per Frecciarossa and Frecciargento train as 'vagoni silenzio' (quiet zones). These carriages have a sign at the entrance. Phone calls, loud music, and disruptive behaviour are prohibited. Business travellers and those wanting to sleep particularly value these carriages.