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PhrasesRoom ProblemsIl frigorifero non funziona.
A2formal

Il frigorifero non funziona.

The refrigerator is not working.

Pronunciation

fri-go-RI-fe-ro — five syllables, stress on the third. Informally called 'frigo'.

When to use it

Report this if you have medicine or food that needs refrigeration. Also report if it is making unusual noises.

What it means

'Frigorifero' = refrigerator. Informally called 'frigo'. 'Non funziona' = does not work. Hotel minibars and room fridges can fail silently — the food inside spoils without obvious signs until you open it.

Variations

Il frigo fa un rumore molto forte.

The fridge is making a very loud noise.

An noisy fridge compressor can disrupt sleep as much as a noisy street

La mia medicina deve stare in frigo.

My medicine must be kept in the fridge.

Urgent — report this and ask for a functioning alternative immediately

Il frigo non raffredda.

The fridge is not cooling.

Technical description of the failure

Mini Dialogue

— Il frigorifero non funziona. Ho della medicina che deve stare in frigo. — Capisco l'urgenza. La portiamo alla reception dove abbiamo un frigo sicuro. — Posso accedervi di notte? — Sì, la reception è aperta ventiquattr'ore.

— The refrigerator is not working. I have medicine that must be kept in the fridge. — I understand the urgency. We will bring it to reception where we have a secure fridge. — Can I access it at night? — Yes, reception is open twenty-four hours.

Cultural Note

In-room refrigerators in Italian hotels serve primarily as minibars and are not always maintained to food-safe temperatures. If you have insulin, certain medications, or perishable food, ask to store them in the hotel's main refrigerator — they will always accommodate medical needs.