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Italian Phrase

Mi serve un carro attrezzi. La mia macchina non parte.

/mi ˈsɛrve un ˈkarrɔ atˈtret.tsi. la ˈmi.a ˈmak.ki.na non ˈpar.te/
Meaning"I need a tow truck. My car won't start."
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Meaning

I need a tow truck. My car won't start. The speaker is asking for roadside assistance because the vehicle is broken down and cannot be started.

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When to use

Use this sentence when your car breaks down on the road, you need to call a roadside assistance service, or you are explaining the problem to a friend or a mechanic.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Miserveuncarroattrezzi.Lamiamacchinanonparte.

1

Impersonal 'servire'

The verb 'servire' is used impersonally with an indirect object pronoun (mi, ti, gli, etc.) to mean 'I need', 'you need', etc.

2

Noun phrase 'carro attrezzi'

'Carro attrezzi' is a compound noun meaning 'tow truck'; note the plural form 'attrezzi' even though it refers to a single vehicle.

3

Negation with 'non'

Place 'non' before the verb to negate it, as in 'non parte' meaning 'doesn't start'.

4

Possessive adjective agreement

'Mia' agrees in gender and number with 'macchina' (feminine singular).

🗨In Conversation

A

Mi serve un carro attrezzi. La mia macchina non parte.

I need a tow truck. My car won't start.

Chiamiamo subito il soccorso stradale.

Let's call roadside assistance right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Io servo un carro attrezzi.

    Use the impersonal construction 'Mi serve' instead of the personal 'Io servo' which means 'I serve'.

  • La mia macchina non parte.

    While correct, many learners prefer the reflexive form 'non si avvia' for a more natural sound.

  • un carro attrezzi

    Do not add an article before 'carro attrezzi' in plural form; the phrase is already a fixed compound.

↔Alternatives

  • Ho bisogno di un carro attrezzi. La mia auto non parte.

    I need a tow truck. My car won't start.

  • Mi serve un carro di soccorso, la macchina non si avvia.

    I need a rescue truck, the car won't start.

  • Devo chiamare il carro attrezzi, la mia auto è in panne.

    I have to call a tow truck, my car is broken down.

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Cultural Tip

In Italy, the term 'carro attrezzi' is commonly used for a tow truck, but you may also hear 'soccorso stradale' (roadside assistance) or simply 'carro di soccorso'. When calling for help, it's polite to use a courteous tone and specify the exact location. In some regions, especially in the north, people might say 'auto in panne' instead of 'macchina non parte'.