Italian Phrase
Perché questa bolletta è così alta?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for an explanation of why the current bill (usually for electricity, gas, water, or phone) is unusually high. It conveys a mix of curiosity and mild frustration.
When to use
Use this sentence when you receive a utility or service invoice that seems higher than expected, especially in a conversation with a provider, a landlord, or a friend who might know the cause.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Perchéquestabollettaècosìalta
Perché (why)
Interrogative adverb used to ask for a reason; placed at the beginning of a question.
questa (this)
Demonstrative adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
bolletta (bill)
Feminine noun meaning a utility or service bill; commonly used for electricity, gas, phone, etc.
è (is)
Third‑person singular present of the verb *essere*; used for identity, description, and state.
così (so)
Adverb of degree meaning ‘so, such’; it intensifies the adjective that follows.
alta (high/expensive)
Feminine singular form of the adjective *alto*; agrees with the feminine noun *bolletta*.
🗨In Conversation
Perché questa bolletta è così alta?
Why is this bill so high?
Probabilmente hai usato più energia del solito perché fa più freddo.
Probably you used more energy than usual because it’s colder.
✕Common Mistakes
Perché questa bolletta è così alto?
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun *bolletta*; use *alta*.
Questa bolletta è perché alta?
The word order is wrong; *perché* must start the question.
Questa bolletta è così alta perché?
Placing *perché* at the end changes the meaning to ‘this bill is so high because…’ which is a statement, not a question.
↔Alternatives
Perché il conto è così alto?
Why is the bill so high?
Come mai questa bolletta è così costosa?
How come this bill is so expensive?
Che cosa ha causato l’aumento di questa bolletta?
What caused the increase of this bill?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, utility bills are often sent quarterly and can fluctuate with seasonal temperature changes. When questioning a high bill, it’s polite to start with *Scusi* or *Mi scusi* to soften the request. Also, remember that *bolletta* is feminine, so adjectives must match in gender (e.g., *alta*, not *alto*).