A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I lost my phone" in Italian
Essential phrase for reporting a lost phone in Italy. Know how to say 'Ho perso il telefono.'
Ho perso il telefono.
oh PER-so eel TEH-leh-foh-nohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this if you realize your phone is gone, whether you think it was stolen or just misplaced. Tell a friend, a hotel receptionist, or the police.
Alternatives
- Mi hanno rubato il telefono.Use this if you are sure it was stolen.
- Non trovo più il mio cellulare.This is a bit softer, implying you can't find it, rather than it being gone.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'cellulare' instead of 'telefono'
'Telefono' is more general; 'cellulare' specifically means 'mobile phone' but 'telefono' is perfectly fine and common.
Incorrect verb conjugation
Make sure to use 'ho' (I have) with 'perso' (lost), not 'sono perso' (I am lost).
A small cultural note
While 'telefono' is the general term, Italians commonly use 'cellulare' for mobile phones. Either is understood in this context.
Frequently asked
What if my phone was stolen?
Say 'Mi hanno rubato il telefono.' This clearly states that you believe it was stolen from you.
How to say 'I can't find my phone'?
You can say 'Non trovo più il mio cellulare.' This is a slightly less direct way of saying it's gone.
Do I need to say 'il mio' (my)?
It's often implied, but adding 'il mio telefono' or 'il mio cellulare' makes it clearer. 'Ho perso il telefono' is perfectly standard.
