Italian Phrase
La connessione a internet è gratis?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the internet connection is provided without cost. It is a polite, straightforward way to check if you need to pay for Wi‑Fi, especially in hotels, cafés, or public spaces.
When to use
Use this question when you arrive at a hotel reception, a café, a coworking space, or any place where you expect to use Wi‑Fi and want to confirm if there is a charge. It works in both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Laconnessioneainternetègratis?
La (definite article)
Feminine singular definite article used before a feminine noun.
connessione (noun)
Feminine noun meaning 'connection', requires the article 'la'.
a (preposition)
Preposition meaning 'to' or 'at', used here to link 'connessione' with 'internet'.
internet (borrowed noun)
Masculine in Italian, but often used without article after a preposition.
è (verb essere)
Third‑person singular present of 'to be', used for descriptions and states.
gratis (adjective/adverb)
Means 'free of charge'; can be used as an adjective after the verb 'essere'.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, la connessione a internet è gratis?
Excuse me, is the internet connection free?
Sì, è gratuita per tutti gli ospiti.
Yes, it’s free for all guests.
✕Common Mistakes
La connessione a internet è libero?
While 'libero' means 'free' in the sense of 'not occupied', it is not used for cost‑free services.
La connessione al il internet è gratis?
When 'internet' follows a preposition, the article is omitted.
La connessione a internet è gratis?
In formal contexts, 'gratuita' (feminine) matches the noun 'connessione'.
↔Alternatives
La connessione internet è gratuita?
Is the internet connection free?
Posso usare internet gratis?
Can I use the internet for free?
Il Wi‑Fi è gratuito?
Is the Wi‑Fi free?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, 'gratis' and 'gratuita' are both common, but 'gratuita' (the feminine form) is often preferred when referring to a service like Wi‑Fi. Hotels and cafés usually mention the Wi‑Fi policy on a sign or in a welcome booklet. Politeness matters: adding 'scusa' or 'per favore' makes the request sound courteous.