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PhrasesAsking for SizeChe numero di scarpe porta?
A1

Che numero di scarpe porta?

What shoe size do you take?

Pronunciation

'Numero' — NU-me-ro. First syllable stressed.

When to use it

Use this when buying shoes in Italy. 'Numero' is always used for shoes, never 'taglia'. Know your EU shoe size before entering a shoe shop.

What it means

Shoes in Italy use 'numero' (number) instead of 'taglia' (size). The question 'che numero porta?' can also stand alone — context makes it clear you mean shoes. EU sizing applies: men's Italian shoe sizes roughly 39–47, women's 35–42.

Variations

Porto il quarantuno.

I take a forty-one.

Direct answer — the most useful response.

Che misura di piede ha?

What foot measurement do you have?

If the exact EU size is unknown.

Può misurarmi?

Can you measure me?

Asks for a measurement using the Brannock device.

Mini Dialogue

Commesso: Che numero di scarpe porta? Cliente: Il quarantadue. Commesso: Queste le abbiamo nel quarantadue. Le piacciono? Cliente: Sì, molto. Le provo subito.

Assistant: What shoe size do you take? Customer: A forty-two. Assistant: We have these in forty-two. Do you like them? Customer: Yes, very much. I'll try them on right away.

Cultural Note

Italy is one of the world's great shoemaking nations — the district around Civitanova Marche (Marche region) produces millions of pairs annually. Even mass-market Italian shoes tend to be well-constructed compared to global averages.