Italian Phrase
Ho poco segnale.
Meaning
Literally ‘I have little signal’, this sentence is used to say that the mobile, Wi‑Fi or any other electronic signal is weak or unreliable where you are.
When to use
Use it when you’re on a call, trying to browse the internet, or streaming video and the connection keeps dropping. It’s a common complaint in rural areas, underground stations, or old buildings with poor coverage.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hopocosegnale
Ho (avere)
‘Ho’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘avere’ (to have). It is used to express possession or a state.
poco (adjective)
‘poco’ means ‘little’ or ‘few’. When it modifies a masculine singular noun like ‘segnale’, it stays in the invariable form ‘poco’.
segnale (noun)
‘segnale’ is a masculine singular noun meaning ‘signal’ (e.g., mobile or Wi‑Fi signal).
🗨In Conversation
Ho poco segnale.
I have a weak signal.
Proviamo a spostarci un po’ più vicino alla finestra.
Let’s try moving a bit closer to the window.
✕Common Mistakes
Ho poca segnale.
‘Segnale’ is masculine, so the adjective must be ‘poco’, not ‘poca’.
Ho segnale poco.
In Italian the adjective usually precedes the noun; ‘segnale poco’ sounds unnatural.
Ho il poco segnale.
Learners sometimes add an article: ‘Ho il poco segnale’, which is incorrect because ‘poco’ already quantifies the noun.
↔Alternatives
Il segnale è scarso.
The signal is poor.
Ho una connessione debole.
I have a weak connection.
Il segnale è debole.
The signal is weak.
Cultural Tip
In Italy mobile coverage can vary dramatically between the bustling city centers and the countryside or historic town centers with thick stone walls. Italians often say ‘poco segnale’ in a casual tone; if you need to be more formal (e.g., speaking to a service provider), you can use ‘segnale debole’ or ‘segnale scarso’. Remember that ‘poco’ stays unchanged before a masculine noun, so ‘poca segnale’ would be a mistake.