Italian · Intermediate (B1) · Chapter 6 of 12
Solving problems
Qual è il problema?
Solve everyday problems in Italian: explain what's broken, ask for a repair, an exchange or a refund, and use se for real conditions.
In this chapter you'll learn to
- Explain that something is broken or doesn't work
- Ask for a repair, an exchange or a refund
- Talk about real conditions with se
- Understand the solutions staff offer
Listen
In Salerno, Giorgio Ferri takes a coffee machine back to the electrical shop where he bought it. Listen to the whole dialogue first, then line by line.
Rosaria
Buongiorno, mi dica.
Good morning, how can I help?
Giorgio
Buongiorno. Ho comprato questa macchina del caffè qui due settimane fa, ma da ieri non si accende più.
Good morning. I bought this coffee machine here two weeks ago, but since yesterday it won't switch on.
Rosaria
Mi dispiace. Ha provato con un'altra presa?
I'm sorry. Have you tried another socket?
Giorgio
Sì, certo. Ho provato tutto, ma non funziona.
Yes, of course. I've tried everything, but it doesn't work.
Rosaria
Ha ancora lo scontrino?
Do you still have the receipt?
Giorgio
Eccolo. È ancora in garanzia, vero?
Here it is. It's still under guarantee, isn't it?
Rosaria
Sì, la garanzia dura due anni. Se vuole, la mandiamo in riparazione. Ci vogliono circa tre settimane.
Yes, the guarantee lasts two years. If you like, we'll send it for repair. It takes about three weeks.
Giorgio
Tre settimane? È troppo. Non potreste cambiarla subito con una nuova?
Three weeks? That's too long. Couldn't you exchange it for a new one straight away?
Rosaria
Se ne abbiamo ancora una in magazzino, la cambiamo subito. Un attimo, controllo.
If we still have one in the stockroom, we'll exchange it straight away. One moment, I'll check.
Giorgio
Grazie. E se non ne avete?
Thank you. And if you haven't got one?
Rosaria
Se non ne abbiamo, può scegliere un altro modello, oppure Le restituiamo i soldi.
If we haven't got one, you can choose another model, or we'll give you your money back.
Giorgio
Va bene. Se c'è, però, preferisco la stessa.
All right. But if there is one, I'd prefer the same one.
Understand
Real conditions: se + present
To talk about something that can really happen, use (if) + the present. The other half of the sentence can be in the present, the future or the imperative: (If you like, we'll send it for repair). (If it doesn't work, we'll exchange it). (If you have time, call me).
In everyday Italian, the present is very common in both halves, even about the future: . The part can also come second: .
| + present | Result | English |
|---|---|---|
| If you like, we'll send it for repair. | ||
| If it rains, I'll stay at home. | ||
| If you're late, send me a message. | ||
| If it doesn't work, we'll exchange it. |
Explaining what's wrong
(to switch on, for a machine) is reflexive: means “it won't switch on”. (broken) is an adjective, so it agrees: , (the plates are broken).
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| It won't switch on. | |
| It doesn't work. | |
| / | It's broken. |
| A piece is missing. | |
| I've lost the receipt. | |
| I'd like to make a complaint. |
Solutions
Staff often offer choices with (if you like), (you can) and (or). As a customer, use the conditional to ask politely: (Could you exchange it?). With , it sounds like a hopeful suggestion: (Couldn't you exchange it straight away?).
means “it takes” (time or things you need). Use with a plural: , .
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| We'll send it for repair. | |
| We'll exchange it straight away. | |
| We'll give you your money back. | |
| You can choose another model. | |
| …? | How about…? (Lei) |
More in the grammar: If-clauses: se + present, se + congiuntivo imperfetto · Pronominal verbs: farcela, andarsene, prendersela
New words
- la macchina del caffècoffee machine · feminine
- accendersito switch on, to come on · = it won't switch on; = to switch on (a light, a machine)
- la presasocket, plug socket · feminine
- la garanziaguarantee · feminine; = under guarantee
- la riparazionerepair · feminine; = to send for repair
- ci vuole / ci voglionoit takes · ;
- circaabout, around · = about three weeks
- il magazzinostockroom, warehouse · masculine
- controllareto check
- scegliereto choose · irregular: …;
- oppureor, or else
- restituireto give back, to return · like :
- i soldimoney · masculine plural
- stessosame · , = the same one
Practise
1.Complete: “Se il negozio ___ chiuso, torno domani.”
2.Complete with the present of (Lei).
If you like, we'll send it for repair.
3.Complete: it takes about three weeks.
It takes about three weeks.
4.Put the words in order.
Tap the words below in the right order.The coffee machine won't switch on.
5.Your lamp () is broken. What do you say?
6.Match the Italian with the English.
Pick a word on the left, then its meaning on the right.
0 of 6 exercises done.
Say it out loud
Da ieri non si accende più.
Since yesterday it won't switch on.
Listen, then say it out loud, as close to the recording as you can.
Check
Five questions on this chapter. Then mark it as finished to add its words to your review deck.
0 of 5 answered.