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Italian Phrase

I posti riservati sono per chi ne ha bisogno.

/i ˈpɔsti rizerˈvati ˈsono per ki ne a biˈzoɲɲo/
Meaning"Reserved seats are for those who need them."
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Meaning

This phrase literally translates to "The reserved seats are for those who need them." It's commonly used to indicate that certain seats or spaces are designated for individuals with specific needs, such as the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, or those carrying small children. It emphasizes the purpose of the reservation: to provide necessary accommodation.

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When to use

You'll frequently encounter this phrase on public transportation (buses, trains, subways), in waiting rooms, or at events where priority seating is provided. It serves as a polite but firm reminder to respect these designated spaces for those who genuinely require them.

✦Grammar Breakdown

I postiriservatisonoper chine ha bisogno

1

I posti

"I" is the masculine plural definite article, meaning "the". "Posti" is the plural of "posto" (place/seat).

2

riservati

This is the past participle of "riservare" (to reserve), used here as an adjective meaning "reserved". It agrees in gender and number with "posti" (masculine plural).

3

sono

This is the third-person plural conjugation of the verb "essere" (to be), meaning "are". It connects the subject ("I posti riservati") to the predicate.

4

per chi

"Per" means "for", and "chi" means "who" or "whoever". Together, "per chi" translates to "for those who" or "for whoever".

5

ne ha bisogno

This is a common Italian idiom meaning "needs it" or "has need of it". "Ne" is a partitive pronoun referring to "of it/of them", and "ha bisogno" means "has need".

🗨In Conversation

A

Scusi, posso sedermi qui?

Excuse me, can I sit here?

Certo, ma tieni presente che i posti riservati sono per chi ne ha bisogno.

Of course, but keep in mind that reserved seats are for those who need them.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • I posti riservati hanno per chi ne ha bisogno.

    Avere (to have) is incorrect here; essere (to be) is needed to state what the seats are for.

  • I posti riservati sono per chi bisogna.

    Bisogna is an impersonal verb meaning "it is necessary." The correct construction is "ne ha bisogno" (has need of it).

  • I posti riservati sono per chi ha bisogno di loro.

    The pronoun "ne" already refers to "of this/of that", so "di loro" is redundant and incorrect in this context.

↔Alternatives

  • Questi posti sono prioritari.

    These seats are priority.

  • Si prega di lasciare liberi i posti per chi ne ha necessità.

    Please leave the seats free for those who have need of them.

  • Posti a sedere riservati.

    Reserved seating.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy, there's a strong emphasis on respect for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. While not always strictly enforced, it's considered good manners and a sign of civility to offer your seat to someone who might need it more, especially in designated reserved areas. Ignoring these signs or refusing to yield a seat can be seen as impolite or inconsiderate.