Significado
Standing in a queue.
Contexto cultural
The 'Elimina-code' system is ubiquitous. Instead of a physical line, you take a ticket with a number. You still 'fai la fila', but you can sit down while doing it. In some southern regions, the 'fila' can be more of a social gathering. People might leave the line and come back, trusting others to remember their 'posto' (spot). Queuing is often associated with frustration. The phrase 'fare la fila' is frequently paired with 'per niente' (for nothing) when a document is missing. In cities like Milan, queuing for 'street food' (like Luini's panzerotti) is a trendy activity, and the 'fila' itself is part of the experience.
The 'Chi è l'ultimo?' Rule
In Italy, if there isn't a clear line, ask 'Chi è l'ultimo?' (Who is the last one?). This establishes your place in the 'fila' without a physical line.
Don't say 'fare linea'
'Linea' is for a line on a map or a telephone line. For people, it's always 'fila' or 'coda'.
Significado
Standing in a queue.
The 'Chi è l'ultimo?' Rule
In Italy, if there isn't a clear line, ask 'Chi è l'ultimo?' (Who is the last one?). This establishes your place in the 'fila' without a physical line.
Don't say 'fare linea'
'Linea' is for a line on a map or a telephone line. For people, it's always 'fila' or 'coda'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
Oggi noi ________ la fila al museo.
The subject is 'noi', so the correct conjugation of 'fare' is 'facciamo'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
You must include the definite article 'la' and use the verb 'fare'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Scusi, lei sta ________ la fila? B: Sì, sono l'ultimo.
The question uses the present continuous 'stare + gerund' (sta facendo).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a busy bakery and want to know if someone is waiting.
All these are natural ways to ask about the queue in a bakery.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Where to 'Fare la Fila'
Public Services
- • Posta
- • Banca
- • Comune
Leisure
- • Cinema
- • Museo
- • Concerto
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosOggi noi ________ la fila al museo.
The subject is 'noi', so the correct conjugation of 'fare' is 'facciamo'.
Choose the correct option:
You must include the definite article 'la' and use the verb 'fare'.
A: Scusi, lei sta ________ la fila? B: Sì, sono l'ultimo.
The question uses the present continuous 'stare + gerund' (sta facendo).
You are at a busy bakery and want to know if someone is waiting.
All these are natural ways to ask about the queue in a bakery.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasYes, it is the standard, polite way to describe queuing. It is not rude.
It's better to use 'essere in coda' for traffic jams.
'Fila' is more formal/standard; 'coda' is more informal and common in the North.
You can say 'Sono in fila' or 'Sto facendo la fila'.
Frases relacionadas
fare la coda
synonymTo wait in line (literally: to make the tail).
mettersi in fila
similarTo get into line.
saltare la fila
contrastTo skip the line.
essere in fila
builds onTo be in line.
