💺❓

How to Say ‘Is this seat free?’ in Italian

È libero questo posto?

eh LEE-beh-roh KWEH-stoh POHS-toh

[eh LEE-beh-roh KWEH-stoh POHS-toh]

💬 Usage Tip: Italian often puts the thing being asked about at the end: literally "is free this seat?". Swap in occupato "taken": È occupato questo posto?

Phrase Breakdown

È libero

eh LEE-beh-roh

Is it free

'È' means 'is'. Stress LI-be-ro on the first syllable.

Example

Il bagno è libero?

Is the bathroom free?

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.

libero

[LEE-beh-roh]

free

Not under the control or in the power of something or someone else.

Example

Ho un po' di tempo libero settimana prossima.

I have some free time next week.

questo posto?

KWEH-stoh POHS-toh

this seat?

'Posto' means 'seat' or 'place'. Raise your voice at the end for the question.

Example

Questo posto è occupato.

This seat is taken.

Words in this phrase

questo

[KWEH-stoh]

this

Demonstrative adjective used to point to something near or specific.

Example

Questo ambiente sembra aperto e rispettoso.

This environment seems open and respectful.

posto

[POHS-toh]

place / seat

Can mean a place, spot, or seat at a restaurant.

Example

Cerchiamo un posto tranquillo vicino alla finestra.

We are looking for a quiet spot near the window.

Guides for Italian learners

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