Ho bisogno di un taxi
The English phrase "I need a taxi" is translated into Italian as Ho bisogno di un taxi.
The phrase is used to express the necessity of finding or hiring a taxi for transportation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ho (I have), bisogno (need), di (of) and un taxi (a taxi).
Which one should you use?
You can also use Mi serve un taxi, which literally translates to "A taxi is useful to me".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the English verb "to need", Italian uses the verb avere (to have) combined with the noun bisogno (need).
Did you know?
- In Italy, you generally cannot hail a taxi by waving your hand on a random street corner. You must go to a designated parcheggio taxi or call one via phone.
- The word bisogno comes from a Frankish word *bisunnija via Vulgar Latin. This means a core Italian word for 'need' actually has Germanic roots rather than purely Latin ones.
- The alternative phrase Mi serve un taxi uses the verb servire, which can also mean 'to serve' in a restaurant, but here it functions to mean 'to be useful' or 'to be necessary'.
Examples in context
- Potrebbe chiamarmi un taxi, per cortesia?Could you call me a taxi, please?
- Mi serve un taxi, per favore.I need a taxi, please.
- Mi serve un taxi subito.I need a taxi right away.
- Scusi, ho bisogno di un taxi per andare in stazione.Excuse me, I need a taxi to go to the station.
- Ho bisogno di un taxi per andare in stazione.I need a taxi to go to the station.
- Scusi, ho bisogno di un taxi con urgenza.Excuse me, I need a taxi urgently.
- Ho bisogno di un taxi perché è tardi.I need a taxi because it is late.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are standing outside a restaurant.
- FrancescoChiara, ho bisogno di un taxi per andare a casa.Chiara, I need a taxi to go home.
- ChiaraPosso chiamarne uno io con l'app.I can call one with the app.
- FrancescoGrazie, sarebbe perfetto.Thanks, that would be perfect.
- ChiaraEcco, arriverà tra cinque minuti.Here, it will arrive in five minutes.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bisogno, di, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
