Italian Phrase
Per favore, assicurati che le tasche siano vuote.
Meaning
A polite request asking someone to check that their pockets are empty. It is often used before security checks, boarding a train, or entering a venue where a bag‑check is required.
When to use
Use this sentence at airports, train stations, museums, or any place where staff need to verify that pockets are empty for safety reasons. It works well in both formal and informal contexts because the “per favore” softens the command.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Perfavore,assicuraticheletaschesianovuote.
Per favore
A polite phrase equivalent to “please”; used before a request to soften it.
Assicurati (imperative)
Second‑person singular imperative of the reflexive verb assicurarsi; the reflexive pronoun “ti” is attached to the verb.
Che + subjunctive
The conjunction “che” introduces a subordinate clause that requires the subjunctive mood because it expresses a desired/uncertain state.
Siano (subjunctive)
Present subjunctive of “essere” used after “che” to talk about a condition that should be fulfilled.
Vuote (agreement)
Adjective “vuoto” agrees in gender and number with “tasche” (feminine plural → vuote).
🗨In Conversation
Per favore, assicurati che le tasche siano vuote.
Please make sure that your pockets are empty.
Certo, le svuoto subito.
Sure, I’ll empty them right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Per favore, assicurati che le tasche sei vuote.
“Sei” is the indicative form of “essere”; the subjunctive “siano” is required after “che”.
Per favore, assicurati che le tasche sia vuoto.
The adjective must agree with the plural feminine noun “tasche”.
Per favore, assicurate che le tasche siano vuote.
When speaking to one person you need the singular imperative “assicurati”.
↔Alternatives
Per cortesia, controlla che le tasche siano vuote.
Please check that the pockets are empty.
Assicurati di svuotare le tasche, per favore.
Make sure to empty the pockets, please.
Verifica che le tasche non contengano nulla, per favore.
Verify that the pockets contain nothing, please.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, security personnel often ask travelers to empty their pockets before passing through metal detectors. Using “per favore” or “per cortesia” shows respect and avoids sounding too abrupt. Remember that Italians value politeness in public interactions, especially with service staff.