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PhrasesRoom ProblemsNon c'è il phon in camera.
A2informal

Non c'è il phon in camera.

There is no hairdryer in the room.

Pronunciation

PHON — one syllable, pronounced like 'fon'. The Italian word for hairdryer comes from the brand name 'Phon'.

When to use it

Ask at reception if there is no hairdryer in the room. It should be provided at 3-star hotels and above.

What it means

'Phon' (hairdryer) is an Italian word derived from the German brand 'Fön'. It is pronounced 'fon'. The alternative Italian word is 'asciugacapelli' (hair dryer, literally 'hair dryer'), but 'phon' is used almost universally in Italian hotels.

Variations

Potete portarmi un phon?

Can you bring me a hairdryer?

Direct request if the phon is missing from the room

Il phon non funziona.

The hairdryer is not working.

Report a broken rather than missing hairdryer

Il phon ha solo una potenza. Posso averne uno più potente?

The hairdryer has only one power setting. Can I have a more powerful one?

Some hotel hairdryers are very weak — ask for a better one

Mini Dialogue

— Non c'è il phon in camera. — Ci scusi. Lo troviamo subito. In quale camera è? — Camera 118. — Glielo porta la cameriera entro cinque minuti.

— There is no hairdryer in the room. — I apologise. We will find one right away. Which room are you in? — Room 118. — The housekeeper will bring it within five minutes.

Cultural Note

Italian hotels are required by star-classification standards to provide a hairdryer in every room from 3 stars upward. Budget hotels (1-2 stars) may not have them. At 1-2 star hotels, always ask at reception — they often have shared units available to borrow.