Può accendere l'aria condizionata?

Can you turn on the air conditioning?

Pronunciation

'Condizionata' — 'con-di-tsyo-NA-ta'. Five syllables; stress on the fourth.

When to use it

Ask in summer or in hot weather when the taxi feels stuffy and you need the air conditioning switched on.

What it means

'Accendere' means to switch on (literally 'to light'). 'L'aria condizionata' is air conditioning. Its opposite is 'spegnere l'aria condizionata' (to turn off the AC).

Variations

Può abbassare la temperatura?

Can you lower the temperature?

Asks for a cooler setting rather than switching AC on.

Può aprire il finestrino?

Can you open the window?

'Finestrino' is the car window; alternative to AC.

Fa troppo caldo qui.

It's too hot in here.

States the problem and lets the driver respond.

Mini Dialogue

— Può accendere l'aria condizionata? — Certamente. La temperatura va bene così? — Un po' più fredda, se possibile. — Ecco, adesso dovrebbe andare meglio.

— Can you turn on the air conditioning? — Certainly. Is this temperature okay? — A little cooler, if possible. — There, it should be better now.

Cultural Note

All modern Italian taxis are equipped with air conditioning. In summer (especially in southern Italy) it is essential. Some older drivers keep windows open instead — a polite request is always respected.

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