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PhrasesTravel ProblemsIl mio telefono si è rotto.
A2

Il mio telefono si è rotto.

My phone has broken.

Pronunciation

'Rotto' — ROT-to. Double 't' gives a crisp stop. Stress on the first syllable.

When to use it

Say this to explain why you need to borrow a charger, use a phone, or find a repair shop. Without a smartphone, navigation, translation, and communication become significantly harder.

What it means

'Si è rotto' is the reflexive passato prossimo of 'rompersi' (to break). 'Rotto' is the irregular past participle of 'rompere'. The agreement: 'si è rotto' (masculine, phone). 'Rompersi' for objects means to break (intransitive); 'rompere' without 'si' means to break something (transitive).

Variations

C'è un negozio di riparazione telefoni?

Is there a phone repair shop?

Find a local technician.

Posso usare il suo caricatore?

Can I use your charger?

Ask to borrow a charger.

Ho bisogno di una SIM italiana.

I need an Italian SIM card.

Buy a local SIM as a temporary solution.

Mini Dialogue

— Il mio telefono si è rotto. Posso usare il suo per chiamare? — Certo, prego. Devo chiamare qualcuno? — Sì, l'albergo, ho dimenticato l'indirizzo. — Gliel'aspetto qui, si accomodi.

— My phone has broken. Can I use yours to call? — Of course, please. Do you need to call someone? — Yes, the hotel, I forgot the address. — I'll wait here for you, take your time.

Cultural Note

Italian cities have numerous 'riparazioni cellulari' (phone repair) shops, often run by immigrant entrepreneurs, particularly in areas near train stations. Repairs are fast and relatively cheap — a cracked screen can be replaced while you wait in major cities. Apple Stores exist in Rome, Milan, and other large cities.