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PhrasesReading Signs and MapsCosa significa questo segnale di pericolo?
A2

Cosa significa questo segnale di pericolo?

What does this danger sign mean?

Pronunciation

'Pericolo' — pe-RI-co-lo. Stress on the second syllable; four syllables.

When to use it

Ask when you encounter a yellow triangular warning sign on the road or on a building and are unsure what hazard it is warning about.

What it means

'Pericolo' means danger. 'Segnale di pericolo' is a danger sign or warning sign. Italian road warning signs are yellow triangles with a red border — the international standard. Inside the triangle is a symbol indicating the specific hazard: curve, intersection, pedestrians, animals, etc.

Variations

C'è un pericolo in questa zona?

Is there a danger in this area?

General safety question when you feel uneasy.

Cosa indica il triangolo rosso?

What does the red triangle indicate?

Identifies the sign type before asking about meaning.

È pericoloso passare di qui?

Is it dangerous to pass through here?

Direct safety question.

Mini Dialogue

— Cosa significa questo segnale di pericolo? — È un avviso di ghiaccio sulla strada. — Di ghiaccio? Ma siamo in giugno. — È un cartello fisso, rimane tutto l'anno in montagna.

— What does this danger sign mean? — It's a warning of ice on the road. — Ice? But it's June. — It's a permanent sign, it stays all year in the mountains.

Cultural Note

Mountain roads in Italy have permanent warning signs for seasonal hazards that remain in place year-round. The 'strada ghiacciata' (icy road) sign is common on Alpine passes. Many mountain passes close entirely in winter — check 'viabilità' websites before driving in the Alps from November to April.