A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "The zipper is broken" in Italian
Learn how to say 'the zipper is broken' in Italian, an essential phrase for shopping, clothing alterations, or dealing with luggage issues.
La cerniera è rotta.
lah cher-NYEH-rah eh ROHT-tahneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when pointing out a defect to a shop assistant while trying on clothes, or when returning a faulty item to a store. It is also highly useful at a hotel reception if your suitcase zipper fails, or when speaking to a local tailor ('sarto') for a repair.
Alternatives
- Non si chiude la lampo.Better when the zipper specifically won't close or track properly, using 'lampo' as a common shorthand.
- Si è rotto il cursore.Better if the fabric tracks are fine but the specific metal slider mechanism has broken off.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'zipper' as an Italian word
English speakers often try to Italianize the word as 'la zippa', but you must use 'cerniera' or 'chiusura a lampo' to be understood.
Mispronouncing the double T in 'rotta'
Make sure to hold the 't' sound briefly, or it can sound like 'rota' (an archaic word for wheel) rather than 'broken'.
A small cultural note
While 'cerniera' is the precise term, you will frequently hear Italians simply say 'la lampo' in everyday shopping. Italy has a strong culture of repairing high-quality goods, so don't hesitate to ask a shop for a repair rather than a full return.
Frequently asked
How do you ask a tailor to fix a zipper in Italian?
You can say 'Potrebbe riparare questa cerniera?' which politely asks them to fix it. Most local neighborhood tailors can do this quickly and cheaply.
What is the difference between cerniera and chiusura a lampo?
They mean the exact same thing, but 'cerniera' is the standard noun for the mechanism itself. 'Chiusura a lampo' literally translates to 'lightning closure' and is often shortened just to 'lampo'.
How do I tell a shop clerk a dress has a broken zipper?
Show them the defect and say, 'Mi scusi, la cerniera di questo vestito è rotta.' This approach is polite, direct, and immediately alerts them to the damaged stock.
