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PhrasesAsking for SizePosso far aggiustare la lunghezza?
B1

Posso far aggiustare la lunghezza?

Can I have the length altered?

Pronunciation

'Aggiustare' — ad-jus-TA-re. Four syllables.

When to use it

Ask when an item fits well everywhere except the length. Italian tailoring services are excellent and commonly used. Hemming trousers, shortening sleeves, or taking up a dress are standard requests.

What it means

'Far aggiustare' = causative construction meaning 'to have (something) adjusted'. 'Posso far aggiustare' = 'can I have adjusted'. 'La lunghezza' = the length. The causative 'fare + infinitive' is very common in Italian: 'far fare' (to have done), 'far pulire' (to have cleaned).

Variations

Fate aggiustamenti in negozio?

Do you do alterations in the shop?

Asks about the service.

Quanto costa orlarli?

How much does hemming cost?

Specific to hemming trousers/skirts.

In quanto tempo sono pronti?

How quickly are they ready?

Asks about turnaround time.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: I pantaloni mi stanno bene ma sono troppo lunghi. Posso far aggiustare la lunghezza? Commessa: Certo, abbiamo il sarto in loco. Costa otto euro e pronti domani. Cliente: Perfetto. Li lascio adesso? Commessa: Sì, segni qui il suo nome e numero di telefono.

Customer: The trousers fit well but are too long. Can I have the length altered? Assistant: Of course, we have a tailor in house. It costs eight euros and ready tomorrow. Customer: Perfect. Shall I leave them now? Assistant: Yes, write your name and phone number here.

Cultural Note

In-house tailors ('sarto in loco') are common in Italian department stores (Rinascente, Coin) and independent boutiques. Alterations are considered normal and expected — not a sign that the clothes do not fit.