FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the BeachDov'è il negozio più vicino per comprare un costume?
A2

Dov'è il negozio più vicino per comprare un costume?

Where is the nearest shop to buy a swimsuit?

Pronunciation

doh-VEH eel neh-GOH-tsyo pyoo VEE-chee-noh pehr kom-PRA-reh oon kos-TOO-meh.

When to use it

When you have forgotten your swimwear or it has been lost or damaged. Beach towns always have shops selling swimwear.

What it means

Il negozio più vicino means the nearest shop. Per comprare means to buy. Un costume is a swimsuit — short for 'costume da bagno' (bathing costume). The word applies to both male and female swimwear.

Variations

Avete costumi da bagno qui al lido?

Do you have swimwear here at the lido?

Some beach shops sell swimwear directly on site.

Ho bisogno di un costume urgentemente.

I urgently need a swimsuit.

Expressing urgency.

Dov'è la boutique beachwear più vicina?

Where is the nearest beachwear boutique?

For those who want quality swimwear shopping.

Mini Dialogue

— Dov'è il negozio più vicino per comprare un costume? — In paese, a cinque minuti a piedi. C'è anche uno shop qui in spiaggia. — Quello in spiaggia è caro? — Un po', ma è comodo. Hanno costumi dai venti ai sessanta euro. — Vado lì, mi serve subito.

— Where is the nearest shop to buy a swimsuit? — In the village, five minutes' walk. There is also a shop here on the beach. — Is the beach one expensive? — A little, but it's convenient. They have swimsuits from twenty to sixty euros. — I'll go there, I need one right away.

Cultural Note

Italian beach fashion is taken seriously — Italian swimwear brands like Vilebrequin, Emilio Pucci (for resort wear), and local brands are widely available at beach resorts. Italians invest in quality costumes and generally dress stylishly at the beach. The spritz in hand and Italian swimwear combination is a recognisable cultural image.