Phrases › Asking for Size › Qual è il mio numero in scarpe italiane?

Qual è il mio numero in scarpe italiane?

What is my shoe size in Italian sizes?

Pronunciation

'Numero' — NU-me-ro. Stress on the first syllable.

When to use it

Use when you are unsure of your Italian shoe size — particularly useful if you usually buy in UK or US sizes. Shoe shops have conversion charts and measurement devices.

What it means

For shoes, Italians say 'numero' (number), not 'taglia'. 'Qual è il mio numero' — 'which/what is my number'. Italian shoe sizes are the same as European (EU) sizes: UK 7 ≈ EU/IT 41, UK 8 ≈ EU/IT 42. The foot can be measured ('misurarsi il piede') in the shop.

Variations

Porto il quarantuno di scarpe.

I take a forty-one in shoes.

States the Italian size directly.

In Italia che numero corrisponde al mio?

What number in Italy corresponds to mine?

Asks for the conversion.

Può misurarmi il piede?

Can you measure my foot?

Asks for a measurement — smart if unsure.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Qual è il mio numero in scarpe italiane? Porto il 42 britannico. Commessa: In Italia sarebbe un 42 europeo, quindi uguale. Cliente: Ah, quindi porto un 42 anche qui. Commessa: Esatto, le porto un paio da provare.

Customer: What is my shoe size in Italian sizes? I take a UK 42. Assistant: In Italy it would be a European 42, so the same. Customer: Ah, so I take a 42 here too. Assistant: Exactly, I'll bring you a pair to try.

Cultural Note

Italian shoe sizes are EU sizes, which differ from UK and US sizing. Italy is famous for shoemaking (especially in the Marche and Veneto regions). Shoe shops ('calzolerie') often have a Brannock device to measure your foot.

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