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PhrasesAsking DirectionsC'è un supermercato vicino?
A1informal

C'è un supermercato vicino?

Is there a supermarket nearby?

Pronunciation

su-per-mer-CA-to — stress on fourth syllable. vi-CI-no — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When you need to find everyday services in an unfamiliar area.

What it means

'C'è un' + place + 'vicino?' is the fundamental phrase for asking about nearby services. You can substitute any place: bar (café), farmacia (pharmacy), banca (bank), bancomat (ATM), supermercato (supermarket), ristorante (restaurant), tabaccheria (tobacconist).

Variations

C'è una farmacia qui vicino?

Is there a pharmacy nearby?

The green cross makes pharmacies easy to find

Dov'è il bancomat più vicino?

Where is the nearest ATM?

'Il più vicino' = the nearest one

C'è un bar aperto adesso?

Is there a bar open now?

Italians appreciate this question at any hour

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un supermercato vicino? — Sì, c'è una COOP a cinque minuti da qui. — È aperta? — Sì, fino alle venti. È in via Roma 14.

— Is there a supermarket nearby? — Yes, there's a COOP five minutes from here. — Is it open? — Yes, until eight. It's on via Roma 14.

Cultural Note

Italian supermarket chains include COOP, Esselunga, Carrefour, Pam, and Conad. Most city supermarkets close for lunch (typically 1pm-3:30pm) and close in the evening (8pm-9pm). Many are closed on Sunday afternoon or all day Sunday. A 'drogheria' (local grocery shop) or 'alimentari' is the traditional alternative, often open longer hours.