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Italian Phrase

Ci serve spazio per il passeggino.

/tʃi ˈsɛrve ˈspattsjo per il pas.seˈdʒi.no/
Meaning"We need space for the stroller."
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Meaning

The sentence means ‘We need space for the stroller.’ It is an impersonal way to express a need, commonly used when asking for room in a crowded place such as a restaurant, public transport, or a shop.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are with a baby stroller and you need to make sure there is enough room for it—e.g., entering a café, boarding a bus, or asking staff for a suitable spot.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ciservespazioperilpasseggino

1

Ci (dative pronoun)

‘Ci’ is an indirect object pronoun meaning ‘to us’ or ‘for us’; in impersonal constructions it indicates who needs something.

2

Serve (impersonal verb)

‘Serve’ is the third‑person singular of ‘servire’ used impersonally, equivalent to ‘is needed’ or ‘we need’ in English.

3

Per (preposition)

‘Per’ introduces the purpose or goal, here ‘for the stroller.’

4

Il passeggino (noun)

‘Passeggino’ means ‘stroller’ or ‘baby carriage’; the article ‘il’ makes it specific.

🗨In Conversation

A

Scusi, c’è posto per il nostro passeggino?

Excuse me, is there room for our stroller?

Ci serve spazio per il passeggino.

We need space for the stroller.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ci servono spazio per il passeggino.

    ‘Servono’ is plural; the verb must stay singular because the subject is the impersonal ‘serve’.

  • Ci serve spazio del passeggino.

    Do not use ‘del passeggino’ here; ‘per’ correctly expresses purpose.

  • Ci serve spazi per il passeggino.

    ‘Spazio’ is singular; the verb ‘serve’ already implies a singular need.

↔Alternatives

  • Abbiamo bisogno di spazio per il passeggino.

    We need space for the stroller.

  • Ci occorre spazio per il passeggino.

    We require space for the stroller.

  • Serve spazio per il passeggino.

    Space is needed for the stroller.

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Cultural Tip

In many Italian cafés and public transport, space for strollers can be limited. It’s considered polite to ask before taking up a seat or a spot, and many restaurants have a ‘passeggino‑friendly’ policy that reserves a table for families with babies. Using the impersonal ‘ci serve’ sounds natural and courteous.