Italian Phrase
Qual è il numero di emergenza?
Meaning
This question asks for the phone number that should be dialed in case of an emergency. It is a practical phrase you’ll need when you’re in a new city, staying at a hotel, or teaching someone how to get help quickly.
When to use
Use it when you’re unsure of the local emergency contact, when you’re helping a visitor, or when you’re filling out a travel checklist that includes safety information.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qualèilnumerodiemergenza?
Qual (interrogative)
Shortened form of 'quale è', used before a vowel sound to ask 'what' or 'which'.
è (essere)
Third‑person singular present of the verb 'to be', linking subject and complement.
il (definite article)
Masculine singular article used before a noun that is known or specific.
numero (noun)
Masculine noun meaning 'number'.
di (preposition)
Indicates possession or relationship, here 'of' (the number of).
emergenza (noun)
Feminine noun meaning 'emergency'. In this collocation it forms the set phrase 'numero di emergenza' (emergency number).
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, qual è il numero di emergenza?
Excuse me, what’s the emergency number?
È il 112 in tutta l'Italia.
It’s 112 throughout Italy.
✕Common Mistakes
Quale è il numero di emergenza?
In everyday Italian the contracted form 'qual è' is preferred; 'quale è' sounds overly formal.
Qual è il numero d'emergenza?
The preposition should stay separate: 'di emergenza'. The contracted 'd'' is used only before vowels, not before a consonant.
↔Alternatives
Qual è il numero per le emergenze?
What is the number for emergencies?
Come posso chiamare i soccorsi?
How can I call the rescue services?
Qual è il numero di soccorso?
What is the rescue number?
Cultural Tip
Italy uses the EU‑wide emergency number 112, which works everywhere from Rome to remote mountain villages. The older national numbers (113 for police, 115 for fire, 118 for medical) still function, but 112 routes the call to the appropriate service automatically. When you dial, stay calm and speak clearly; operators often ask for your location in Italian.