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PhrasesAt the Antique MarketQuanto chiede per questo?
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Quanto chiede per questo?

How much are you asking for this?

Pronunciation

CHIE-de — two syllables; 'chi' is a hard 'k' sound before 'i' — as in 'key'. Stress on the first syllable.

When to use it

Use this as your first question when you pick up or point to an item and want to know the price. It is more natural at a market than 'quanto costa?' because 'chiede' acknowledges the seller is setting a price.

What it means

'Chiede' is the formal third-person singular of chiedere (to ask). So 'quanto chiede' = 'how much do you ask'. This is the standard antique market price inquiry — it implies you're open to negotiation, which is expected. At a fixed-price shop you would say 'quanto costa?'

Variations

Qual è il prezzo di questo?

What is the price of this?

More neutral — doesn't imply negotiation as strongly

Quanto vuole per questo?

How much do you want for this?

'Vuole' (you want) — very natural at a flea market

C'è un cartellino del prezzo?

Is there a price tag?

Asking if the price is already labelled — often it is not

Mini Dialogue

— Quanto chiede per questo vaso? — Quello è settanta euro. — È autentico dell'Ottocento? — Sì, ha il marchio sul fondo.

— How much are you asking for this vase? — That one is seventy euros. — Is it genuine nineteenth century? — Yes, it has the mark on the bottom.

Cultural Note

Italian antique markets (mercati dell'antiquariato) are cherished weekend institutions. The most famous is the Porta Portese market in Rome, held every Sunday since 1945. Others include Il Balon in Turin and the Fiera di Sinigallia in Milan. Bargaining is expected and part of the pleasure.