Italian Phrase
Mi serve un cartello 'Non disturbare'.
Meaning
Literally, “I need a sign that says ‘Do not disturb’.” It is used when you want to request a sign, usually for a hotel room, bathroom, or any place where you want to ask others not to enter.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are at a reception, a store, or speaking with a colleague who can provide a sign. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but the tone is polite and practical.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Miserveuncartello'Nondisturbare'
Impersonal "servire"
"Servire" is used impersonally with an indirect object pronoun (mi, ti, gli…) to mean “to need”. The subject is omitted.
Indefinite article "un"
Use "un" before masculine singular nouns that begin with a consonant, as in "un cartello".
Infinitive as a command
On signs Italian often uses the infinitive form for commands, e.g., "Non disturbare" (Do not disturb).
Quotation marks
The phrase on the sign is placed in single quotes in writing, but the quotes are not spoken.
🗨In Conversation
Mi serve un cartello 'Non disturbare'.
I need a sign that says 'Do not disturb'.
Certo, lo troviamo subito.
Sure, we’ll get it for you right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Io serve un cartello 'Non disturbare'.
The verb "servire" is impersonal; you must use the indirect object pronoun (mi, ti, gli…) instead of a subject pronoun.
Mi serve un cartello di 'Non disturbare'.
The preposition "di" is unnecessary; the quoted phrase directly follows the noun.
Mi serve un cartello Non disturbare'.
When writing the phrase, keep both opening and closing quotes for clarity.
↔Alternatives
Ho bisogno di un cartello 'Non disturbare'.
I need a sign 'Do not disturb'.
Mi serve un avviso 'Non disturbare'.
I need a notice that says 'Do not disturb'.
Potrei avere un cartello 'Non disturbare'?
Could I have a 'Do not disturb' sign?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, public signs often use the infinitive for commands (e.g., "Non fumare", "Non parcheggiare"). When you ask for a sign, it’s polite to use the impersonal "servire" construction. Remember that hotel doors usually have a small lever that flips to show "Non disturbare" without needing a separate sign.