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PhrasesRoom ProblemsIl telefono di camera non funziona.
A2formal

Il telefono di camera non funziona.

The room telephone is not working.

Pronunciation

te-LE-fo-no — four syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

If the in-room telephone does not work, this is important to report — it is your primary means of contacting reception in an emergency.

What it means

'Telefono di camera' = room telephone. 'Non funziona' = does not work. A non-functioning room phone is more than an inconvenience — in an emergency, it could be critical. Most hotels can reroute calls or provide an alternative contact method.

Variations

Non sento il segnale nel telefono di camera.

I cannot hear a signal in the room telephone.

The line may be disconnected rather than the phone being broken

Non riesco a chiamare la reception.

I cannot reach reception.

The practical consequence — what you need to fix

Posso avere un numero di cellulare per contattarvi?

Can I have a mobile number to contact you?

Practical workaround if the telephone cannot be fixed immediately

Mini Dialogue

— Il telefono di camera non funziona. Non c'è segnale. — Controlliamo il sistema. Nel frattempo le do il numero diretto della reception. — Grazie. È importante potervi contattare in caso di necessità. — Assolutamente. Chiamo anche il tecnico.

— The room telephone is not working. There is no signal. — We will check the system. In the meantime I will give you the direct reception number. — Thank you. It is important to be able to contact you in case of need. — Absolutely. I will also call the technician.

Cultural Note

Modern Italian hotels are increasingly replacing traditional room phones with tablets or apps that allow guests to communicate with reception. However, in an emergency, a working telephone is essential. Always test the phone on arrival and ask for a mobile contact number as backup.