Electronics

1. il cellulare

   Mobile phone

   Usage

   The standard word. In conversation Italians also say "il telefonino" — little telephone — with some affection. "Lo smartphone" is understood as-is

2. il tablet

   Tablet

   Usage

   The English word works. Security may ask you to take it out of your bag separately

3. il computer portatile

   Laptop

   Usage

   Usually shortened to "il portatile" in speech, and "il laptop" is understood too

4. il caricabatterie

   Charger

   Usage

   To borrow one: "mi presta un caricabatterie?". The word does not change in the plural

5. il cavo di ricarica

   Charging cable

   Usage

   In a shop it is quicker to name the connector — "USB-C" and "Lightning" are used as-is

6. il power bank

   Power bank

   Usage

   The English term is standard in Italy; "la batteria esterna" also works. It cannot go in checked baggage — carry it in the cabin

7. l'adattatore da viaggio

   Travel plug adapter

   Usage

   Italy runs at 230V and mixes two socket types: the Italian type L, with three round holes in a row, and the European type F. An adapter bought elsewhere in Europe may not fit a type L socket in an older building, so bring one that handles both

8. la presa

   Power socket

   Usage

   "Dov'è una presa?" — where is there a socket? — is what to ask in a café. The plug itself is "la spina"

9. la ciabatta

   Power strip

   Usage

   Literally "slipper", named for the long flat shape. The same word is the bread ciabatta, so in a bakery you will get something else — in an electrical shop say "una ciabatta elettrica" to be sure

10. le pile

    Batteries

    Usage

    Disposable cells are "le pile"; a rechargeable or built-in battery is "la batteria". Italians call AA "stilo" and AAA "ministilo"

11. il Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi

    Usage

    "C'è il Wi-Fi?" — is there Wi-Fi? Italians usually pronounce it closer to "wee-fee"

12. la password del Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi password

    Usage

    "Qual è la password del Wi-Fi?" is the set phrase. The native "parola d'ordine" is not used in this context

13. la scheda SIM

    SIM card

    Usage

    A prepaid one is "la SIM ricaricabile". Italian law requires ID to buy one, so take your passport

14. la scheda di memoria

    Memory card

    Usage

    In a shop just say "la scheda SD" or "la micro SD"

15. le cuffie

    Headphones

    Usage

    The over-ear kind; in-ear buds are "gli auricolari", a different word. Both are always plural

16. l'altoparlante

    Speaker

    Usage

    In conversation a portable Bluetooth speaker is more often "la cassa Bluetooth"

17. la macchina fotografica

    Camera

    Usage

    The stills camera; a video camera is "la videocamera". In churches and museums ask "è permesso fotografare?" before shooting

18. la torcia

    Flashlight / Torch

    Usage

    Also "la torcia elettrica". The phone's light is the same word: "la torcia del telefono"

19. l'aria condizionata

    Air conditioning

    Usage

    Old stone buildings often have none, so in summer ask before booking: "la camera ha l'aria condizionata?". The unit itself is "il condizionatore"

20. il telecomando

    Remote control

    Usage

    For the television and the air conditioning alike: "dov'è il telecomando?"

21. il ventilatore

    Electric fan

    Usage

    Ask for one where the room has no air conditioning. A ceiling fan is "il ventilatore a soffitto"

22. il frigorifero

    Fridge

    Usage

    Shortened to "il frigo". A hotel room fridge is "il frigobar", and what is inside is usually chargeable

23. la televisione

    Television

    Usage

    Shortened to "la TV". Italy has a strong dubbing tradition, so for the original soundtrack you will want a streaming service

24. il microonde

    Microwave

    Usage

    Formally "il forno a microonde". "Me lo può riscaldare?" — could you heat this up?

25. il bollitore elettrico

    Electric kettle

    Usage

    Italian hotel rooms almost never have one — this is a coffee country. Ask reception "c'è un bollitore?" if you need hot water. At home coffee comes from the stovetop moka pot

26. la lavatrice

    Washing machine

    Usage

    A launderette is "la lavanderia a gettoni". The dishwasher is a different word, "la lavastoviglie"

27. l'asciugacapelli

    Hairdryer

    Usage

    In speech Italians also use "il fon", from German. To check: "c'è l'asciugacapelli in camera?"

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