Have you ever walked into a shop in Italy without knowing how to ask for a discount? Or found yourself stuck because you couldn’t remember how to say «me lo incarta, è un regalo» [could you gift-wrap it for me?]? In this article you will find all the expressions Italians really use when they go shopping — at the market, in the boutique, in the sales, at the till — with the most useful grammatical explanations and cultural curiosities that will make you feel at ease straight away.
Shopping in Italian
At the Market and the Deli Counter
Going to the market in Italy is not just doing the shopping — it is almost a social ritual. You chat, joke, ask the vendor for advice. Neighbourhood markets and deli counters are places where the vocabulary differs from that of the supermarket: different units of measurement are used, more direct courtesy formulas and a generally more informal and familiar tone. Knowing the right expressions allows you to interact naturally and get exactly what you are looking for.
Useful Expressions
- «Mi dà mezzo chilo di pomodori, per favore?» [Could you give me half a kilo of tomatoes, please?]
- «Mi dà due etti di prosciutto?» [Could you give me two hundred grams of ham?]
- «Me ne dà ancora un po’?» [Could you give me a little more?]
- «Sono buoni questi? Li ha assaggiati?» [Are these good? Have you tried them?]
- «Quant’è in tutto?» [How much is it altogether?]
- «Quanto costa al chilo?» [How much is it per kilo?]
The «Etto»: the Italian Unit of Measurement
At the deli or cheese counter the etto [etto] is used a great deal — short for ettogrammo [hectogram] — which equals 100 grams. «Due etti» [two etti] are 200 grams, «tre etti» [three etti] are 300 grams. Using this word correctly is one of the most immediate signs of familiarity with Italian language and culture. Often the vendor will offer you a taste of something: never refuse it, that would be considered rude.
In the Boutique or Clothes Shops
Walking into an Italian boutique can feel a little intimidating if you don’t know the right phrases. The shop assistant will almost always approach you straight away with a «Posso aiutarla?» [May I help you?] — a polite formula that can catch off-guard anyone who doesn’t know how to respond. Knowing the expressions for asking about sizes, colours, trying on a garment or putting off a decision to another day will give you the confidence to move freely, without feeling watched or pressured.
Useful Expressions
- «Sto solo dando un’occhiata, grazie.» [I’m just browsing, thank you.]
- «Ce l’ha in una taglia più piccola?» [Do you have it in a smaller size?]
- «Ce l’avete in altri colori?» [Do you have it in other colours?]
- «Posso provarlo?» [Can I try it on?]
- «Mi scusi, dove sono i camerini?» [Excuse me, where are the fitting rooms?]
- «Me lo mette da parte fino a domani?» [Could you hold it for me until tomorrow?]
The Life-Saving Phrase: «Sto Solo Dando un’Occhiata»
This is one of the most useful expressions there is. Replying «sto solo dando un’occhiata, grazie» [I’m just browsing, thank you] to the shop assistant means: “I want to look around in peace, without being bothered”. They will understand and step back.
Grammar note: the pronoun changes according to the gender of the object. For a gonna [skirt] (feminine) you say «posso provarla?» [can I try it on?]; for jeans [jeans] (masculine plural) you say «posso provarli?» [can I try them on?]. A small detail that makes a big difference to the naturalness of the speech.
In the Sales and at the Outlet
The sales [saldi] in Italy are an almost sacred event: they have official dates set by the individual Regions — generally the beginning of January and the beginning of July — and Italians look forward to them all year. At markets, stalls and small shops it is also common to negotiate the price directly: knowing how to do so with the right words can make the difference between paying the full price and getting an unexpected discount.
Useful Expressions
- «Quanto mi fa di sconto?» [How much of a discount can you give me?]
- «Me lo fa un prezzo?» [Can you give me a good price?] — typical at markets or small shops
- «È già scontato o c’è ancora il prezzo pieno?» [Is it already reduced or is it still full price?]
- «Avete delle promozioni in corso?» [Do you have any promotions on?]
- «Avete una tessera fedeltà?» [Do you have a loyalty card?]
«Me lo fa un Prezzo?»: When to Use It and When to Avoid It
This expression works very well at markets, stalls and small independent shops — in those contexts it is completely normal and expected. It is better to avoid it in a luxury boutique or an international chain, where it might seem out of place.
One place to learn Italian
Join the LearnAmo AcademyAt the Till: Paying and the Receipt
At the till of an Italian shop you may need to handle various situations — from the payment method to asking for a receipt. In Italy card payment is now widespread everywhere, but it is not always guaranteed in small shops or markets. Knowing how to ask for the right information will spare you awkward moments and allow you to complete every purchase without surprises.
Useful Expressions
- «Accettate la carta?» [Do you accept card?]
- «Posso pagare in contanti?» [Can I pay in cash?]
- «Posso pagare a rate?» [Can I pay in instalments?]
- «Mi fa lo scontrino, per favore?» [Could you give me the receipt, please?]
- «Ci sono dei costi aggiuntivi?» [Are there any additional charges?]
Scontrino, Ricevuta and Fattura: the Differences
The scontrino (receipt) is what you receive when you buy something as a consumer, for example at a bar, pharmacy, or supermarket. Today, it is often replaced by the commercial document, which has taken the place of the old fiscal receipt.
The ricevuta (receipt) certifies that you have paid for a service or performance. It is more “personalized” than a till receipt, but less complete than an invoice.
The fattura (invoice) is the most complete document. It is mainly used when the purchase concerns a professional or business activity, or when the customer requests it. It includes the taxable amount, VAT, seller and customer details, and a description of the service or goods sold.
Simple example:
If you buy a coffee, you receive a till receipt/commercial document.
If you pay for an occasional service, you may receive a receipt.
If you buy a computer for your business with a VAT number, you ask for an invoice.
For Gifts and Special Occasions
In traditional Italian shops, especially boutiques and independent stores, gift wrapping is almost an art form — coloured paper, ribbons, bows — and is generally completely free of charge. It is one of the small touches of Italian commercial culture that often surprises people coming from abroad. You just need to ask in the right way, and the result will be a carefully crafted, professional gift package at no extra cost.
Useful Expressions
- «Me lo incarta? È un regalo.» [Could you gift-wrap it? It’s a present.]
- «Ci mette un fiocchetto?» [Could you add a little bow?]
- «Mi mette anche un bigliettino?» [Could you add a little card too?]
- «Fate consegne a domicilio?» [Do you deliver to the door?]
- «Quanto costa la spedizione?» [How much does delivery cost?]
Pronouns for Gifts: «Me lo» or «Me la»?
The pronoun changes according to the gender of the object purchased. For a sciarpa [scarf] (feminine): «Me la incarta? È un regalo. La posso cambiare se non le piace?» [Could you gift-wrap it? It’s a present. Can I exchange it if she doesn’t like it?] For a cappello [hat] (masculine): «Me lo incarta? È un regalo. Lo posso cambiare se non gli piace?» [Could you gift-wrap it? It’s a present. Can I exchange it if he doesn’t like it?] The final indirect pronoun (le / gli) refers to the person who will receive the gift.
Returns, Exchanges and Difficult Situations
A purchase doesn’t always turn out as expected — the size doesn’t fit well, the colour doesn’t suit the person receiving the gift, or you simply change your mind. In Italy shops apply different return and exchange policies, so it is always useful to ask before buying. These expressions allow you to handle any complicated situation confidently and without awkwardness.
Useful Expressions
- «Posso restituirlo se non mi va bene?» [Can I return it if it doesn’t fit me well?]
- «Entro quanti giorni posso cambiarlo?» [How many days do I have to exchange it?]
- «Mi date un buono o il rimborso?» [Do you give a voucher or a refund?]
- «Mi scusi, ho cambiato idea.» [Excuse me, I’ve changed my mind.]
- «Mi scusi, mi può aiutare?» [Excuse me, can you help me?]
- «Posso parlare con il responsabile?» [Can I speak to the manager?]
Note: the phrase «ho cambiato idea» [I’ve changed my mind] always works, in any situation. Just say it with a smile and no Italian shop assistant will take offence — it is a polite and direct formula that closes the conversation without awkwardness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Does «Etto» Mean in Italian?
The etto is short for «ettogrammo» [hectogram] and equals 100 grams. It is a unit of measurement widely used in food shops, at the deli counter and the cheese counter. «Due etti» = 200g, «tre etti» = 300g. Using it correctly is one of the most immediate signs of familiarity with Italian culture.
What Is the Difference Between «Scontrino» and «Fattura»?
The scontrino [fiscal receipt] is the fiscal document automatically issued at the till — required by law in all Italian commercial establishments. The fattura [invoice] is a more formal document, requested by companies or self-employed workers for tax-deductible expenses. If you are buying as a private individual, the scontrino is always sufficient.
Why Does the Pronoun Change in «Posso Provarlo» / «Posso Provarla»?
Because in Italian direct pronouns agree with the gender and number of the noun they replace. «Lo» for masculine singulars (maglione [jumper], cappello [hat]), «la» for feminine singulars (gonna [skirt], giacca [jacket]), «li» for masculine plurals (jeans [jeans], pantaloni [trousers]), «le» for feminine plurals (scarpe [shoes], magliette [T-shirts]).
When Are the Sales in Italy?
The summer sales [saldi estivi] generally start in the first week of July and last 4-8 weeks. The winter sales [saldi invernali] start in the first week of January. The exact dates vary from Region to Region, as they are set by the individual regional administrations.
Is Gift Wrapping Always Free in Italy?
In most traditional shops and independent boutiques, gift wrapping is included in the price. In large shopping centres and international chains the situation may vary. In any case, just ask: «Me lo incarta? È un regalo» [Could you gift-wrap it? It’s a present] — you will rarely receive a no in reply.
Did you enjoy discovering how to go shopping in Italian? Then the article dedicated to 50+ colloquial expressions is just what you need!
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