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PhrasesRequesting Hotel ServicesAvete un ombrello da prestarmi?
A2formal

Avete un ombrello da prestarmi?

Do you have an umbrella to lend me?

Pronunciation

om-BREL-lo — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

Ask at reception when it unexpectedly rains and you have no umbrella. Most Italian hotels keep a supply for guest use.

What it means

'Da prestarmi' = to lend me ('da' + infinitive expressing purpose or suitability). 'Prestare' = to lend. Italian hotels typically have a selection of umbrellas at reception — often lost-and-found items that are available for guest use. Some sell them; others lend on a trust basis.

Variations

Piove. Avete degli ombrelli disponibili?

It is raining. Do you have umbrellas available?

State the reason — it is raining — to show the urgency

Potete vendermi un ombrello?

Can you sell me an umbrella?

Ask to purchase rather than borrow if you prefer

Posso comprare un ombrello qui vicino?

Can I buy an umbrella nearby?

Ask where to buy if the hotel does not lend or sell them

Mini Dialogue

— Avete un ombrello da prestarmi? Ho visto che fuori piove. — Sì, abbiamo un ombrello che può usare. Lo riporti quando rientra. — Certamente, grazie mille! — Prego. Buona passeggiata nonostante il tempo.

— Do you have an umbrella to lend me? I saw it is raining outside. — Yes, we have an umbrella you can use. Please return it when you come back. — Certainly, thank you very much! — You are welcome. Enjoy your walk despite the weather.

Cultural Note

Italian weather changes quickly, especially in spring and autumn. Sudden thunderstorms ('temporali') are common in inland areas and the Po Valley. A lightweight travel umbrella ('ombrellino pieghevole') is always worth packing for Italian travel. Hotel umbrellas, by contrast, are usually the large, sturdy hotel-branded variety.