Italian Phrase
Stiamo finendo gli asciugamani.
Meaning
We are in the process of finishing (using up) the towels. It conveys that the supply of towels is decreasing and will soon be exhausted.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are talking about a dwindling stock of towels – for example in a hotel, a household laundry, or a beach setting where towels are being handed out and are running low.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Stiamofinendogliasciugamani
Stare + gerundio
The construction 'stare' + gerundio expresses an action that is happening right now, similar to the English present progressive.
Finire (to finish/use up)
'Finire' can mean to complete something or to use it up; in this context it means the towels are being used up.
Definite article 'gli'
Use 'gli' for masculine plural nouns that begin with a vowel or with s + consonant (e.g., gli asciugamani).
Plural noun 'asciugamani'
'Asciugamani' is a masculine plural noun meaning 'towels'.
🗨In Conversation
Abbiamo ancora asciugamani per gli ospiti?
Do we still have towels for the guests?
Stiamo finendo gli asciugamani, ne rimangono solo due.
We are finishing the towels, only two are left.
✕Common Mistakes
Stiamo finire gli asciugamani.
The gerund form 'finendo' is required after 'stiamo'; 'finire' is the infinitive.
Stiamo finendo i asciugamani.
Because 'asciugamani' starts with a vowel, the correct plural article is 'gli', not 'i'.
Finire gli asciugamani.
Using the infinitive loses the progressive meaning; it would mean 'We finish the towels' (a completed action).
↔Alternatives
Stiamo per finire gli asciugamani.
We are about to finish the towels.
Abbiamo quasi finito gli asciugamani.
We have almost finished the towels.
Stiamo terminando gli asciugamani.
We are ending the towels.
Cultural Tip
In Italian hospitality, it’s common to keep a close eye on towel stock. Saying 'Stiamo finendo gli asciugamani' signals that you need to request more or plan a replacement. Remember that 'asciugamani' is masculine, so the correct article is 'gli', not 'i'.