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How to Say ‘The sofa at the back is reserved, unfortunately.’ in Italian

Il divanetto in fondo è riservato, purtroppo.

eel dee-vah-NEHT-toh een fon-doh eh ree-zehr-VAH-toh poor-TROH-poh

[eel dee-vah-NEHT-toh een fon-doh eh ree-zehr-VAH-toh poor-TROH-poh]

🇮🇹 In Italy: Lounge areas in Italian cocktail bars are often held for groups buying bottles. Ask staff before settling in.

Phrase Breakdown

Il divanetto in fondo

eel dee-vah-NEHT-toh een fon-doh

the booth at the back

This is the subject of the sentence. Hold the double 't' in 'divanetto'.

Example

Il divanetto in fondo è libero.

The booth at the back is free.

Words in this phrase

[eel]

the

Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Nella frase Il tempo personale, Il introduce il concetto di tempo privato.

In the phrase 'Il tempo personale,' 'Il' introduces the concept of private time.

divanetto

[dee-vah-NEHT-toh]

small sofa

Diminutive of 'divano', a couch or booth seat.

Example

Sediamoci sul divanetto.

Let's sit on the little sofa.

[een]

Preposition used to indicate being inside or part of a place or organization.

Example

Uso "in" quando parlo del lavoro in un'organizzazione.

I use "in" when I talk about working in an organization.

fondo

[fon-doh]

back

The part or area farthest from the front.

Example

Stiamo andando verso il fondo.

We're heading towards the back.

è riservato,

eh ree-zehr-VAH-toh

is reserved,

'È' is an open 'eh'. Roll the 'r' in 'riservato'.

Example

Questo tavolo è riservato.

This table is reserved.

Words in this phrase

[eh]

Third-person singular of 'essere'; used to describe a person, company, or situation.

Example

Quando dici È in È molto umana, stai descrivendo l'azienda.

When you say 'È' in 'È molto umana,' you are describing the company.

riservato

[ree-zehr-VAH-toh]

reserved

Past participle/adjective meaning 'reserved' or 'booked.' It describes the table.

Example

Per il tavolo riservato chiediamo puntualità.

For the reserved table, we ask for punctuality.

purtroppo.

poor-TROH-poh

unfortunately.

Stress on 'TROP' and hold the double 'p'.

Example

Purtroppo non posso venire.

Unfortunately I can't come.

Words in this phrase

purtroppo

[poor-TROH-poh]

Unfortunately

Used to express regret or sadness about a situation.

Example

"Purtroppo", non posso venire alla festa.

"Unfortunately", I cannot come to the party.

Guides for Italian learners

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