Italian Phrase
C'è un controllo di vicinato?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether a neighbourhood watch or community patrol exists in the area. It can refer to an organized group of residents who keep an eye on the streets, report suspicious activity, or simply look out for each other.
When to use
Use this question when you have just moved to a new district, when you hear about a recent incident, or when you want to know if there is a formal or informal security arrangement among neighbours.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'èuncontrollodivicinato?
c'è (ci è)
Contraction of 'ci è', used to indicate existence of something singular. For plural, use 'ci sono'.
un (indefinite article)
Masculine singular indefinite article placed before a noun that begins with a consonant.
di (preposition)
Links two nouns, indicating a relationship similar to 'of' or 'for' in English.
vicinato (noun)
Means 'neighbourhood' or 'neighbourhood area'; often used in compound expressions like 'controllo di vicinato'.
🗨In Conversation
C'è un controllo di vicinato?
Is there a neighbourhood watch?
Sì, ogni martedì pomeriggio due volontari del quartiere fanno una ronda per controllare le strade.
Yes, every Tuesday afternoon two neighbourhood volunteers do a patrol to check the streets.
✕Common Mistakes
Ci sono un controllo di vicinato?
Use singular 'c'è' for a singular noun; 'ci sono' is for plural.
C'è un controllo del vicinato?
The standard expression is 'controllo di vicinato', not 'del'.
C'è un controlli di vicinato?
The noun 'controllo' is singular; the article must agree in number.
↔Alternatives
C'è una ronda di quartiere?
Is there a neighbourhood patrol?
Esiste un servizio di sorveglianza di quartiere?
Does a neighbourhood surveillance service exist?
Ci sono dei controlli di vicinato?
Are there neighbourhood checks?
Cultural Tip
In many Italian towns the concept of a formal 'controllo di vicinato' is less common than a 'ronda di quartiere' or simply informal neighbourly vigilance. In the north, especially in larger cities, you might hear 'sorveglianza di quartiere' used by municipal authorities, while in smaller villages the term 'controllo di vicinato' often refers to a volunteer group that meets once a week. Adjust your register: keep it polite and neutral, using 'Lei' if you are speaking to an official or an older neighbour.