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PhrasesRoom ProblemsLa finestra non si chiude.
A2formal

La finestra non si chiude.

The window will not close.

Pronunciation

fi-NES-tra — three syllables, stress on the second.

When to use it

Report this immediately, especially if the room is on a lower floor or if it is cold, rainy, or noisy outside.

What it means

'Non si chiude' uses a reflexive construction meaning 'does not close itself'. In Italian, many mechanical actions are described reflexively: 'si apre' (opens), 'si chiude' (closes), 'si rompe' (breaks). This construction describes the window's own failure to function.

Variations

La finestra non si apre.

The window does not open.

A problem in summer when you need ventilation

Le persiane sono rotte.

The shutters are broken.

Italian windows often have external wooden or metal shutters ('persiane') — report broken ones

La zanzariera è strappata.

The mosquito screen is torn.

Critical in coastal or rural Italy during summer months

Mini Dialogue

— La finestra non si chiude bene. Entra aria di notte. — Capisco. Ha provato a girare la maniglia verso il basso? — Sì, non funziona. Si è rotto il meccanismo. — Mando la manutenzione. Nel frattempo possiamo spostarla in un'altra camera.

— The window does not close properly. Cold air is coming in at night. — I understand. Have you tried turning the handle downwards? — Yes, it does not work. The mechanism is broken. — I will send maintenance. In the meantime we can move you to another room.

Cultural Note

Italian windows and shutters can have complex mechanisms — triple-position handles that tilt, open fully, or lock. Hotel staff are often able to fix apparent problems by phone by walking you through the correct technique. Always try before asking for a technician.