Shopping and Markets

Italy is a shopper's paradise — from high-fashion boutiques in Milan to open-air food markets in Palermo. Whether you are buying souvenirs, clothes, leather goods, or fresh produce, knowing the right Italian phrases will help you get better deals and enjoy the experience. This lesson covers shops, markets, prices, sizes, and haggling.

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Types of Shops in Italy

Italian shops tend to be small and specialised, rather than large supermarkets (though those exist too):

Italian	English	What They Sell
la tabaccheria	tobacconist	Stamps, bus tickets, phone credit, tobacco
la farmacia	pharmacy	Medicines, skincare, advice
la panetteria / il panificio	bakery	Bread, focaccia, grissini
la pasticceria	pastry shop	Cakes, pastries, biscuits
la gelateria	ice cream shop	Gelato, sorbetto
la macelleria	butcher	Fresh meat
la pescheria	fishmonger	Fresh fish and seafood
l'enoteca	wine shop	Wine, often with tastings
la cartoleria	stationery shop	Paper, pens, notebooks
il negozio di abbigliamento	clothing shop	Clothes
la pelletteria	leather goods shop	Bags, belts, wallets
il mercato	the market	Fresh food, clothes, household goods
il supermercato	the supermarket	Everything
il centro commerciale	the shopping centre	Multiple shops under one roof

Cultural Note: Many small Italian shops close for lunch, typically from 1pm to 3:30pm or 4pm. This is called "la pausa pranzo." Sunday opening is limited outside tourist areas and big shopping centres. Plan your shopping accordingly!

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Essential Shopping Phrases

Italian	English
Quanto costa?	How much does it cost?
Quanto costa questo?	How much is this?
Quanto costano?	How much do they cost?
Posso vedere quello?	Can I see that one?
Posso provarlo/a?	Can I try it on?
Avete una taglia più grande?	Do you have a bigger size?
Avete una taglia più piccola?	Do you have a smaller size?
Lo/La prendo.	I'll take it.
Sto solo guardando.	I'm just looking.
Avete questo in un altro colore?	Do you have this in another colour?
Posso pagare con la carta?	Can I pay by card?
Mi fa lo scontrino?	Can I have the receipt?
È in saldo?	Is it on sale?
C'è uno sconto?	Is there a discount?

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Clothing Sizes

Italian sizes are different from UK and US sizes:

Women's Clothing

Italian	UK	US
38	6	2
40	8	4
42	10	6
44	12	8
46	14	10
48	16	12

Men's Clothing

Italian	UK/US
44	XS
46	S
48	M
50	L
52	XL
54	XXL

Shoe Sizes

Italian	UK (Men)	UK (Women)	US (Men)	US (Women)
38	5	5	6	7
40	6.5	6.5	7.5	8.5
42	8	—	9	—
44	9.5	—	10.5	—

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Colours