quick italian grammar
 

how do I ask for 2 extra pillows in my room please?
thanks

topping

Frankly, I'd do it in English, using the pillow that's already in my room as a visual aid.

I'm assuming this conversation is probably occuring with either hotel management, who likely speak English or the housekeeper, who may not, but will know exactly what you mean in this context.

If this is a written request it's even easier to use English, as the staff will surely be corresponding with you in English.

I know this is not exactly correct, but since I know a few words I usually just give it my best... I would say "due cuscino por favore" or "O bisogno due cuscino por favore" which is "I need 2 pillows please"

it would be "per favore", not "por"

I'm still learning Italian, but:
- plural of cuscino (pillow) is cuscini (pillows), so you say "due cuscini, per favore" (2 pillows, please).

It's the same for capuccino, if you want 2 or more, you'll say "capuccini".

Like Sandi said, you can also say ho bisogno" (literally means: I have the need), so you say "ho bisogno di due cuscini, per favore" (I have the need OF two pillows, please)

Posso avere due cuscini in piu?

See? I only know enough to get my point across at best...

Me too, Sandi :)

A very useful word is "another" - "altro" or "altra" depending on whether the noun is masculine (many with an "o" ending, like cuscino) or feminine (many with "a" ending).

So using a pillow as a visual aid, pointing at it you can say "un altro, per favore" (another one, please). You can point at your empty wine glass, or your cup of cappucino, and say "un altro, per favore", your beer (bira) and say "un'altra, per favore" and so on, and so on.

yes, but another can mean a couple things, and it could be misinterpreted to mean that you want the pillow replaced with a different one. The example given of another drink is exactly that situation--not that you want two drinks at the same time, but a drink replaced. I would suggest being more direct, and saying you want two pillows, not another one.

I agree with Christina. If I want more of something, I will use "in piu" and "ancora" depending on the situation. "altro" can mean that you want something different because you don't like what you already have.

amy_zena,

From another post, I understand you are a teacher in an international school. I was wondering if you could email me about your experience at [email protected]? One of my tennis partners is interested in doing the same thing. Thanks for all your help.