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How to Say ‘Yes, it's on, but it doesn't work.’ in Italian

Sì, è accesa, ma non funziona.

see eh ah-CHEH-zah mah nohn foon-TSYOH-nah

[see eh ah-CHEH-zah mah nohn foon-TSYOH-nah]

🇮🇹 In Italy: Landlords often ask first whether the boiler is switched on. Most Italian flats heat their water with their own gas boiler, and a lot of problems turn out to be a tripped switch or low pressure.

Phrase Breakdown

Sì, è accesa,

see eh ah-CHEH-zah

Yes, it's on,

'Accesa' means switched on (feminine, e.g. for 'la caldaia', the boiler). Say ac-CHE-za; the 'cc' before 'e' sounds like a strong 'ch'.

Example

La luce è accesa.

The light is on.

Words in this phrase

Sì

[see]

yes

A simple affirmative answer, useful in conversation and interviews.

Example

Rispondo "Sì" quando mi chiedono se mi interessa la cultura aziendale.

I answer "Yes" when they ask me if I am interested in the company culture.

[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.

accesa

[ah-CHEH-zah]

on, switched on

Feminine form of 'acceso'; describes a device (like a boiler) that is turned on.

Example

La caldaia è accesa da un'ora.

The boiler has been on for an hour.

ma non funziona.

mah nohn foon-TSYOH-nah

but it doesn't work.

'Funziona' means it works. Say fun-TSYO-na; the 'z' sounds like 'ts'.

Example

Il telefono non funziona.

The phone doesn't work.

Words in this phrase

[mah]

But

Used to introduce a contrasting statement or question.

Example

Ma non capisco perché ma allora lei è felice.

But I don't understand why but then she is happy.

non

[nohn]

not

This word negates the verb that follows it.

Example

Non c'é nessuno.

There is no one.

funziona

[foon-TSYOH-nah]

works, functions

Third person of 'funzionare': how something operates.

Example

La macchinetta non funziona.

The machine doesn't work.

Guides for Italian learners

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