Italian Phrase
La mia richiesta di ferie è stata approvata?
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "The my request of holidays is been approved?". It's a common way to inquire about the status of a vacation request in a formal or semi-formal setting. The structure uses the passive voice, indicating that the request is the subject receiving the action of being approved.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you've submitted a vacation request at work or school and are waiting for a decision. It's appropriate for asking a manager, HR, or an administrative assistant. It's a polite and direct way to check on the status.
✦Grammar Breakdown
La miarichiestadi ferieè stata approvata
La mia
'La mia' means 'my' (feminine singular). 'Richiesta' is a feminine noun, so the possessive adjective must agree in gender and number.
Richiesta
This is the noun for 'request'. It comes from the verb 'richiedere' (to request). It's feminine singular.
Di ferie
'Di ferie' means 'of holidays' or 'for vacation'. 'Ferie' is a plural feminine noun meaning 'holidays' or 'vacation time' and is almost always used in the plural.
È stata approvata
This is the passive voice in the 'passato prossimo' (present perfect). 'È' (is) is the auxiliary verb 'essere', 'stata' is the past participle of 'essere' (to be), and 'approvata' is the past participle of 'approvare' (to approve), agreeing with 'richiesta' (feminine singular).
🗨In Conversation
Buongiorno, signora Rossi. Volevo chiederle: La mia richiesta di ferie è stata approvata?
Good morning, Ms. Rossi. I wanted to ask you: Has my vacation request been approved?
Sì, certo! Ho appena ricevuto la conferma. Puoi andare tranquillo.
Yes, of course! I just received the confirmation. You can go easy.
✕Common Mistakes
La mia richiesta per ferie è stata approvata?
While 'per' can mean 'for', the correct preposition to link 'richiesta' (request) with 'ferie' (vacation) is 'di' in this context, meaning 'of' or 'for'.
Ho avuto la mia richiesta di ferie approvata?
This is a direct, incorrect translation from English. The Italian passive construction 'è stata approvata' (has been approved) is the correct way to express this idea, not 'I have had it approved'.
La mia richiesta di ferie è stato approvato?
The past participle 'approvato' must agree in gender and number with the subject 'richiesta' (feminine singular). Therefore, it should be 'approvata'.
↔Alternatives
È stata approvata la mia richiesta di ferie?
Has my vacation request been approved? (slightly different word order)
Sai se la mia richiesta di ferie è passata?
Do you know if my vacation request went through?
C'è qualche novità sulla mia richiesta di ferie?
Is there any news about my vacation request?
Cultural Tip
In Italian workplaces, it's common to submit vacation requests well in advance, especially for longer periods. While direct, this phrase is polite. Depending on the workplace culture, a more informal approach might be acceptable with close colleagues, but for managers or HR, this formal phrasing is generally preferred. Always be prepared for a potential 'no' or a request to reschedule, as vacation periods can be competitive.