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PhrasesRoom ProblemsLa serratura della mia camera non funziona.
B1formal

La serratura della mia camera non funziona.

The lock on my room is not working.

Pronunciation

ser-ra-TU-ra — four syllables, stress on the third.

When to use it

Report this immediately — a malfunctioning lock is both an inconvenience and a security issue.

What it means

'Serratura' (lock) comes from 'serrare' (to lock/close). 'Della mia camera' = of my room — 'della' is 'di + la'. A broken lock at a hotel is a priority maintenance issue and staff will respond quickly.

Variations

La chiave magnetica non apre la porta.

The key card does not open the door.

Key cards are easily demagnetised by proximity to phones or credit cards

Mi sono chiuso fuori dalla camera.

I have locked myself out of the room.

A common problem — go to reception for a replacement key

La porta non si chiude a chiave.

The door does not lock.

A security problem that must be fixed before you sleep

Mini Dialogue

— La serratura della mia camera non funziona. La chiave magnetica non apre. — Può riportarci la tessera? A volte si smagnetizza. — Eccola. — Gliela riprogram mo subito. Provi adesso.

— The lock on my room is not working. The key card does not open. — Can you bring us the card? Sometimes it gets demagnetised. — Here it is. — I will reprogram it right away. Try it now.

Cultural Note

Hotel key cards are demagnetised by credit cards, phones, and even some medication strips. Keep them in a separate pocket from your phone and wallet. If the card fails, take it to reception rather than forcing the door — replacement takes less than a minute.