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L'ascensore è guasto, perciò saliamo dal pianterreno fino al terzo piano a piedi.

L'ascensore è guasto, perciò saliamo dal pianterreno fino al terzo piano a piedi.
The elevator is out of order, so we walk up from the ground floor to the third floor.
FromLesson 26inHardcore Italian

Questions & Answers about L'ascensore è guasto, perciò saliamo dal pianterreno fino al terzo piano a piedi.

What does guasto mean in this sentence?
Guasto is an adjective meaning “broken” or “not working.” It describes something that’s malfunctioning—in this case, the elevator.
Why is perciò used here, and how is it different from quindi or allora?

All three words express causality or consequence, but:

  • Perciò is more formal/written and directly means “therefore.”
  • Quindi is neutral and very common in both speech and writing (“so,” “thus”).
  • Allora is more colloquial (“then,” “so”).
    Using perciò gives the sentence a slightly more formal tone.
Can you explain the conjugation of saliamo?
Saliamo is the first-person plural (noi) present indicative of salire, meaning “to go up” or “to climb.” So saliamo = “we go up” or here “we walk up.”
Why do we say dal pianterreno and not just da pianterreno?
Dal is the contraction of da + il. Because pianterreno is a masculine singular noun, you need the definite article il. So da + il pianterreno → dal pianterreno = “from the ground floor.”
What is the difference between pianterreno and piano terra?

They mean the same thing (“ground floor”).

  • Pianterreno is one word and more commonly used in technical or formal contexts (e.g., building plans).
  • Piano terra (two words) is perfectly acceptable and frequently used in everyday speech.
Why is it fino al terzo piano instead of fino a terzo piano?

Fino requires the preposition a before the destination, plus the definite article for “the third floor.” So:

  • a + il terzo piano → al terzo piano
    Hence fino al terzo piano = “up to the third floor.”
Could you say fino al terzo? without piano?
In casual speech, you might hear fino al terzo, and people will understand “to the third [floor],” but it’s clearer and more standard to include piano.
What does a piedi exactly mean, and why is it used here?
A piedi literally means “on foot.” It specifies the mode of movement—walking—rather than using the elevator or stairs automatically. Without a piedi, salire could imply any method of going up.
Is it possible to say salire a piedi instead of just salire?
Yes. Salire alone means “to go up,” but adding a piedi clarifies that you’re walking. So salire a piedi = “to walk up.” Without it, context decides whether you use stairs, an escalator, or something else.
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