citofono

intercom, door buzzer

noun chee-TOH-foh-noh Rare

Usage Note

Citofono refers to the intercom system at the entrance of an apartment building, used to identify and buzz in visitors. Pressing a button rings a specific flat and allows a two-way voice conversation. The verb citofonare means to ring the intercom.

Examples

"Suona il citofono prima di salire."

Natural Translation

Ring the intercom before coming up.

Literal Translation

Ring the intercom before to-come-up.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local

Order coffee in Italy like a local: say un caffè (not espresso), pay at the cassa first, drink al banco, and skip the latte trap. Phrases inside.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

C'è vs Ci Sono: There Is/Are in Italian

C'è for one thing, ci sono for many — that's the rule. Master Italian's there is/there are with c'era, ci sarà, è vs c'è, and non c'è nessuno.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Noun Gender: Rules, Endings & Exceptions

Italian noun gender decoded: -o is usually masculine, -a feminine, but -zione and -tà are feminine, -ore and -ma masculine. Plus the trap words to memorize.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read