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Italian Phrase

Questo cartello vuol dire 'uscita'.

/ˈkwɛs.to karˈtɛl.lo ˈvwɔl ˈdi.re ˈus.t͡ʃi.ta/
Meaning"This sign means 'exit'."
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Meaning

Literally, 'This sign means "exit".' It is used to explain the meaning of a sign that indicates where you can leave a building, room, or area.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you are pointing out a sign in a public place (airport, mall, museum, etc.) or when you need to clarify the meaning of a sign for someone who is unfamiliar with the environment.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Questocartellovuoldire'uscita'

1

Questo

Demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this', used before a masculine singular noun.

2

cartello

Masculine singular noun meaning 'sign' or 'board'.

3

vuol

Third‑person singular present of volere (to want) in its contracted form; often used in fixed expressions like 'vuol dire' = 'means'.

4

dire

Infinitive verb meaning 'to say' or 'to mean' when paired with 'vuol'.

5

'uscita'

Noun meaning 'exit'; placed in quotation marks to indicate the exact word shown on the sign.

🗨In Conversation

A

Scusa, dove è l'uscita?

Excuse me, where is the exit?

Questo cartello vuol dire 'uscita'.

This sign means 'exit'.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Questo cartello vuole dire 'uscita'.

    Both 'vuol' and 'vuole' are grammatically correct, but 'vuol' is the contracted form used in set expressions like 'vuol dire'. Using the full form can sound less idiomatic in this fixed phrase.

  • Questo segnale vuol dire 'uscita'.

    'Segnale' usually refers to a traffic signal or electronic indicator, not a printed sign on a wall.

  • Questo cartello vuol dire uscita!

    The word should be in quotation marks (or italicised) to show you are quoting the exact text on the sign.

↔Alternatives

  • Questo segnale indica 'uscita'.

    This signal indicates 'exit'.

  • Questa insegna segnala l'uscita.

    This sign signals the exit.

  • Il cartello dice 'uscita'.

    The sign says 'exit'.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy, exit signs are usually written in all caps – USCITA – and often accompanied by a green arrow. While 'vuol dire' is perfectly correct, many speakers prefer the more common 'vuole dire' in everyday conversation. In formal signage, you might also see the word 'uscita' without quotation marks.