Italian Phrase
La stazione non ha gradini?
Meaning
Literally, “The station doesn’t have steps?” It is a yes‑or‑no question used to check whether a train station is step‑free, i.e., accessible for people with mobility impairments or heavy luggage.
When to use
Use this sentence when you arrive at a railway or metro station and need to know if you can enter without climbing stairs—e.g., when traveling with a stroller, wheelchair, or heavy bags.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lastazionenonhagradini?
Definite article (La)
La is the feminine singular definite article used before nouns that begin with a consonant.
Negation (non)
In Italian, the word non precedes the verb to make a negative statement.
Verb avere (ha)
ha is the third‑person singular present of avere (to have). It is used here to ask about the presence of something.
Noun (gradini)
gradini is the plural of gradino, meaning ‘step’ or ‘stair’. It follows the verb directly without a preposition.
Question mark
Italian uses the same punctuation as English; the intonation rises at the end of a yes/no question.
🗨In Conversation
La stazione non ha gradini?
Does the station have no steps?
No, è completamente senza gradini, c’è l’ascensore.
No, it’s completely step‑free; there’s an elevator.
✕Common Mistakes
La stazione non ha dei gradini?
Using “dei” changes the meaning to ‘has some steps’, which is the opposite of what you want to ask.
La stazione non ha gradino?
Gradino is singular; the question refers to the whole station, so the plural “gradini” is appropriate.
La stazione non ci sono gradini?
The construction “ci sono” requires a subject; you should say “Non ci sono gradini nella stazione?” or keep the original structure.
↔Alternatives
La stazione è priva di gradini?
Is the station free of steps?
La stazione è senza gradini?
Is the station without steps?
Ci sono scale alla stazione?
Are there stairs at the station?
La stazione è accessibile?
Is the station accessible?
Cultural Tip
Many historic Italian stations were built before modern accessibility standards, so it’s common to encounter steps. Asking “La stazione non ha gradini?” is perfectly polite, but you’ll also hear “È accessibile per disabili?” or “C’è l’ascensore?” which are slightly more formal. In the south, some locals may answer with a quick “No, ci sono le scale” and then point you to the nearest ramp or elevator.