Italian Phrase
Chiedi al banco, per favore.
Meaning
Literally, “Ask the bank, please.” It is a polite command telling someone to direct a question or request to the bank, often used when giving instructions or reminding a colleague.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want someone to go to the bank counter and ask for information, a service, or clarification. It works in both formal and informal settings, but the added per favore keeps the tone courteous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chiedialbanco,perfavore.
Imperative (tu)
Chiedi is the second‑person singular informal imperative of chiedere, used to give a direct command or request.
Preposition al = a + il
Al is the contraction of a (to/at) + il (the). It introduces the place or institution you are addressing.
Polite phrase per favore
Per favore literally means “for favor” and softens the command, making it a polite request.
Article agreement
Banc**o** is masculine singular, so it takes the definite article il, which contracts to al.
🗨In Conversation
Devo sapere se il mio conto è stato aggiornato.
I need to know if my account has been updated.
Chiedi al banco, per favore.
Ask the bank, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Chiedi alla banca, per favore.
Banca means the bank as an institution; al banco refers to the counter where you speak to a teller.
Chiedi al banco, per favore.
If you want a more formal tone, use “per cortesia” instead of “per favore.”
Chiedi al banco, per favore.
When speaking to a group, use the plural imperative “Chiedete.”
↔Alternatives
Domanda al banco, per favore.
Ask the bank, please.
Vai al banco e chiedi, per favore.
Go to the bank and ask, please.
Potresti chiedere al banco?
Could you ask the bank?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the word banco often refers to the physical counter inside a bank or a post office, not the institution itself. When you say “al banco,” you’re literally telling someone to go to the service desk. If you want to refer to the bank as a whole, you would say “alla banca.”