I need an interpreter.
'Interprete' — in-TER-pre-te. Four syllables; stress on the second. The final 'e' is clearly pronounced.
Say this at a police station, hospital, or legal office when you are dealing with a serious matter and the other party does not speak your language. You have a legal right to an interpreter in formal proceedings.
'Interprete' (interpreter) is a false friend with English 'interpreter' — they are actually the same word with the same meaning. 'Ho bisogno di un interprete' is a formal request. In legal contexts, courts and police are required to provide an interpreter at no cost to the suspect/witness.
Parla inglese qualcuno qui?
Does anyone here speak English?
Informal first step before requesting a formal interpreter.
Ho diritto a un interprete?
Am I entitled to an interpreter?
Know your rights in formal Italian proceedings.
C'è qualcuno che parla la mia lingua?
Is there someone who speaks my language?
General request for linguistic assistance.
Under Italian law and EU directives, suspects in criminal proceedings and parties in formal legal matters have the right to a free interpreter if they do not speak Italian. In practice, police stations in tourist areas often have bilingual staff. Never sign an Italian legal document without fully understanding its content.