Italian Phrase
Il rubinetto non smette di gocciolare.
Meaning
This phrase describes a common household issue where a tap continues to leak water drop by drop despite being turned off. It uses the construction 'smettere di' followed by an infinitive to indicate an action that persists.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to report a plumbing problem to a landlord, a plumber, or a housemate. It is specifically used for the repetitive sound and action of dripping water.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilrubinettononsmettedigocciolare
Smettere di
The verb 'smettere' (to stop/cease) always requires the preposition 'di' when it is followed by another verb in the infinitive.
Il rubinetto
A masculine noun meaning 'tap' or 'faucet'. Note that 'il' is the correct definite article for nouns starting with a consonant like 'r'.
🗨In Conversation
Hai sentito quel rumore in cucina?
Did you hear that noise in the kitchen?
Sì, il rubinetto non smette di gocciolare.
Yes, the faucet won't stop dripping.
✕Common Mistakes
Il rubinetto non ferma di gocciolare.
Use 'smettere' to mean 'to cease an action'; 'fermare' usually means to physically stop an object in motion.
Il rubinetto non smette gocciolare.
The verb 'smettere' must be followed by the preposition 'di' before an infinitive.
↔Alternatives
Il rubinetto perde.
The faucet is leaking.
Gocciola il rubinetto.
The faucet is dripping.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, water conservation is highly valued, and a leaky faucet is seen as a waste of resources. If you are renting, it is standard practice to inform the 'proprietario' (landlord) or call an 'idraulico' (plumber) immediately for such repairs.