Mastering Italian Vocabulary for Emergency Situations

An interactive lesson guiding you from key takeaways to expert insights. Comes with Q&A, useful vocabulary, interactive audio, quizzes and games.

Chiamate i vigili del fuoco!
Chiamate i vigili del fuoco!
Chiamate i vigili del fuoco!
Published May 28, 2023
Updated Nov 30, 2024
Written by
Italian language tutor, course author. MEng, MBA. Member of the International Association of Hyperpolyglots (HYPIA). After learning 12 languages, I can tell you that we all master languages by listening and mimicking. I couldn’t find an app to recommend to my students, so I made my own one. With my method, you’ll be speaking Italian from Lesson 1.
Reviewed by
A linguist specializing in psycholinguistics and Italian language education. I hold a Research Master’s in Linguistics and teach Italian, passionately connecting research with practical teaching.

Key Takeaways

  • Master essential Italian phrases like Aiuto! (Help!) and Ho bisogno di aiuto (I need help) for emergencies.
  • Familiarize yourself with medical terms such as Ferita (Wound) and Dolore (Pain) to communicate symptoms effectively.
  • Learn vocabulary related to accidents, including Incidente (Accident) and Lesione (Injury) to describe situations accurately.
  • Understand terms for natural disasters like Terremoto (Earthquake) and Inondazione (Flood) to convey urgent situations.
  • Know how to contact emergency services using phrases like Numero di emergenza (Emergency number) and Polizia (Police).
  • Utilize resources such as language apps and phrasebooks to enhance your learning of Italian emergency vocabulary.

Audio images

🔊
Chiamate i vigili del fuoco!
🔊
La mia valigia è stata rubata.
🔊
Ripeti queste frasi fino a memorizzarle.

Main Article

Why Learn Emergency Vocabulary in Italian?

Emergencies might not be the first thing on your mind if you’re learning Italian to travel, but having the language tools to ask for help or explain a problem is invaluable.

Emergencies can happen, and knowing the right Italian words and phrases can make all the difference. From health issues to lost belongings, here I will provide you with the essential tools to effectively navigate unexpected situations.

Italian Vocabulary for Emergencies

Essential Italian Vocabulary for Emergencies

Here are some general phrases to grab attention and explain urgent situations:

  • Aiuto! – Help!
  • Emergenza – Emergency
  • Pericolo – Danger
  • Chiamate la polizia! – Call the police!
  • Chiamate un’ambulanza! – Call an ambulance!

Contacting Italian Authorities

Italy has a unified emergency number, 112, which connects you to police, fire services, and medical help. Additional emergency numbers include:

  • 118: Medical emergencies
  • 115: Fire brigade
  • 113: Police

When calling, use phrases like:

Ho bisogno di aiuto. Chiamo da [luogo].

I need help. I’m calling from [place].

Italian Vocabulary for Medical Emergencies

Describing symptoms is crucial when seeking medical assistance. Here’s some medical vocabulary to help:

  • Mi sento male. – I feel unwell.
  • Ho febbre. – I have a fever.
  • Ho dolore qui. – I have pain here.
  • Sono allergico/a a [sostanza]. – I’m allergic to [substance].

If you go to the farmacia (pharmacy), you might say:

Avete qualcosa per il mal di testa?

Do you have something for a headache?

Ho bisogno di un’aspirina.

I need an aspirin.

Handling Lost or Stolen Items

Losing belongings can be stressful, but the right words can help you resolve the issue faster.

Ho perso il mio passaporto.

lost my passport.

Il mio portafoglio è stato rubato.

My wallet was stolen.

Devo fare una denuncia.

I need to file a report.

At the stazione di polizia (police station), explain your situation calmly, and they will guide you.

Italian Vocabulary for Accidents and Natural Disasters

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Emergencies can also include accidents or natural disasters. Here are essential terms to navigate such situations:

  • Incidente – Accident
  • Bruciatura – Burn
  • Frattura – Fracture
  • Terremoto – Earthquake
  • Inondazione – Flood
  • Incendio – Fire

Be Prepared, Stay Safe

No one hopes to face an emergency, but being prepared with Italian vocabulary can give you peace of mind while traveling.

By mastering these essential words and phrases, you’ll be ready to handle any situation confidently and effectively. Staying calm, speaking clearly, and knowing the right vocabulary will ensure you get the help you need.

Key Terms and Concepts

Words

AiutoHelp
AmbulanzaAmbulance
EmergenzaEmergency
IncidenteAccident
PoliziaPolice
FeritoInjured
FuocoFire
DolorePain
PericoloDanger
SoccorsiRescue

Phrases

AmbulanzaAmbulance
PericoloDanger
EmergenzaEmergency
SoccorsoRescue
FeritoInjured
OspedaleHospital
PoliziaPolice
IncendioFire
SoccorrereTo assist
RianimazioneResuscitation

Sentences

Mi sono perso, potete aiutarmi?

I am lost, can you help me?

Ho bisogno di un medico, è un'emergenza!

I need a doctor, it's an emergency!

Dov'è l'ospedale più vicino?

Where is the nearest hospital?

Qualcuno ha bisogno di assistenza medica immediata.

Someone needs immediate medical assistance.

Sta succedendo un terremoto, trovate un posto sicuro!

An earthquake is happening, find a safe place!

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Italian word of the day
piove
Piove! Esci senza ombrello?
It’s raining! Are you going out without an umbrella?

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