37 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Cerco un libro di questo autore.
I am looking for a book by this author.
Use when entering a bookshop knowing the author but not the title, or when you want to show a staff member a name on your phone. Italian booksellers are typically very knowledgeable and love talking about authors.
Ha questo titolo?
Do you have this title?
Use when you know the title and want to check if the shop stocks it. Show your phone or a written note if unsure about pronouncing the title. Booksellers are used to all kinds of title enquiries.
Dove trovo i romanzi gialli?
Where do I find crime novels?
Use when navigating a bookshop and looking for crime/thriller fiction. 'Giallo' is Italy's cultural term for the crime and mystery genre — knowing this is essential for browsing Italian bookshops.
Cerco un dizionario italiano-inglese.
I am looking for an Italian-English dictionary.
Essential phrase for language learners visiting Italian bookshops. Specifying the direction (italiano-inglese vs inglese-italiano) matters — they are different tools for different needs.
È disponibile in formato eBook?
Is it available in eBook format?
Ask when you prefer digital reading or when the physical copy is not available. Many Italian publishers now release digital editions simultaneously with print. Independent bookshops may refer you to their online store or Kindle.
Avete libri in inglese?
Do you have books in English?
Use in Italian bookshops when looking for English-language books. Major cities (Rome, Milan, Florence) have specialist English-language bookshops. Regular Italian bookshops may have a small foreign-language section.
Avete la versione tascabile?
Do you have the paperback version?
Use when you want the cheaper or lighter pocket edition rather than the hardback. Italian publishing has clear distinctions between editions — asking for the right format saves money and weight.
Posso ordinare un libro che non avete in negozio?
Can I order a book you don't have in the shop?
Use when a title is not in stock. Italian bookshops can almost always order books through their distributors. Delivery takes 2–5 days for most Italian titles. Rare or foreign titles may take longer.
Avete libri per imparare l'italiano?
Do you have books for learning Italian?
Use when looking for Italian language learning materials — textbooks, grammar books, workbooks, or vocabulary guides. Italian bookshops have dedicated 'didattica' or 'lingue' sections.
Avete libri illustrati per bambini?
Do you have illustrated books for children?
Use when looking for picture books or illustrated children's books. Italian children's literature is excellent — ask staff for recommendations by age group.
Mi consiglia un romanzo italiano?
Can you recommend an Italian novel?
A wonderful phrase to use with Italian booksellers, who are usually passionate readers. Asking for a recommendation shows respect for their expertise and often leads to genuinely great suggestions.
Avete una guida turistica di Firenze?
Do you have a tourist guide to Florence?
Use in any Italian bookshop when looking for travel guides. Italian bookshops always stock travel guides for Italian destinations — and often for international ones too.
Cerco un libro di cucina italiana.
I am looking for an Italian cookery book.
Use when looking for Italian cookbooks. Italian cookery books are extremely popular as gifts and souvenirs. The section is usually labelled 'cucina' or 'gastronomia'.
Avete libri di storia dell'arte?
Do you have art history books?
Use in Italian bookshops, particularly in cities with major art museums (Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples). Italian bookshops near museums often have exceptional art history sections.
Avete libri in saldo?
Do you have books on sale?
Ask about discounted books — remainders, overstock, seasonal sales, or dedicated discount sections. Italian bookshops often have a 'libri scontati' (discounted books) table or section.
Avete la carta fedeltà?
Do you have a loyalty card?
Ask at any major Italian bookshop chain (Feltrinelli, Mondadori, Rizzoli). Loyalty cards give points redeemable as vouchers and may offer early access to events or author signings.
Dove si trova la sezione filosofia?
Where is the philosophy section?
Use to navigate a large bookshop and find a specific subject section. Italian bookshops use section names in Italian — knowing the key vocabulary helps you browse independently.
Avete le opere complete di Dante?
Do you have the complete works of Dante?
Use when looking for collected or complete works of a specific author. Italian literature has an exceptionally rich tradition — asking for complete works signals a serious reader.
Avete una buona selezione di poesia?
Do you have a good selection of poetry?
Use when looking for poetry books. Italian booksellers are often particularly knowledgeable about poetry — a highly respected literary form in Italy. Asking shows cultural awareness.
Posso sfogliare prima di comprare?
Can I browse through before buying?
Ask politely if it is acceptable to leaf through a book before deciding to purchase. In most Italian bookshops, browsing is welcomed — but for sealed items or expensive books, it is courteous to ask.
È uscita la traduzione italiana?
Has the Italian translation come out?
Use when you know a foreign book and want to know if the Italian translation is available. Italy has a strong translation industry — most major international bestsellers are translated within months.
Avete fumetti italiani?
Do you have Italian comics?
Use when looking for Italian comics and graphic novels. Italy has a rich comics tradition — 'fumetti' are taken seriously as an art form. The section may be labelled 'fumetti' or 'graphic novel'.
Avete libri usati?
Do you have second-hand books?
Use in second-hand bookshops ('librerie dell'usato' or 'librerie antiquarie'). Some mixed bookshops also have a used section. Second-hand books in Italy can be excellent quality.
Avete un catalogo online?
Do you have an online catalogue?
Ask when you want to browse or order books outside shop hours, or when checking if a specific title is in stock before visiting. Many Italian bookshops have websites with full stock listings.
Avete audiolibri?
Do you have audiobooks?
Ask when looking for Italian audiobooks. The Italian audiobook market ('audiolibri') has grown significantly with platforms like Storytel, Audible Italy, and Kobo. Physical CDs of audiobooks are less common.
A che ora chiudete?
What time do you close?
Ask when you arrive at a bookshop and want to know how long you have. Italian bookshop hours vary — independent shops often close for lunch; chains stay open continuously.
Fate presentazioni di libri?
Do you hold book launches?
Ask when you are interested in attending author events. Italian independent bookshops regularly host book launches ('presentazioni'), signings ('firmacopie'), and reading events. These are free and open to all.
Avete un buono regalo?
Do you have a gift voucher?
Ask when you want to give a book-related gift but are unsure which specific book to choose. A bookshop gift voucher lets the recipient choose freely — a thoughtful, personalised approach.
Avete libri fotografici sull'Italia?
Do you have photography books about Italy?
Use when looking for coffee-table photography books about Italy — popular as gifts and souvenirs. Italian bookshops near tourist areas have extensive selections.
Avete i libri di testo per le scuole?
Do you have school textbooks?
Use at the beginning of the school year ('settembre') when Italian families buy textbooks. Italian bookshops are major textbook retailers — the school supply season is their busiest period.
Cosa mi consiglia di Calvino per iniziare?
What do you recommend by Calvino to start with?
Use when you want to explore an author's work but do not know where to begin. Italian booksellers love this type of question — it invites genuine literary dialogue.
Questa guida include anche le mappe?
Does this guide also include maps?
Ask when considering a travel guide — maps are essential for navigation. Not all Italian travel guides include detailed street maps — some require a separate map purchase.
Avete i libri del Premio Strega?
Do you have the Premio Strega books?
Use when looking for Italy's most prestigious literary prize books. The Premio Strega shortlist is announced each spring — bookshops prominently display the nominees. Asking shows knowledge of Italian literary culture.
Avete biografie di personaggi italiani?
Do you have biographies of Italian figures?
Use when looking for biographies — Italian history, culture, and politics have produced remarkable individuals whose stories make compelling reading.
Avete libri sui dialetti italiani?
Do you have books on Italian dialects?
Use when curious about Italy's rich dialect heritage. Italian dialects ('dialetti') are distinct regional languages — Venetian, Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Piedmontese differ significantly from standard Italian.
Avete guide ai musei di Roma?
Do you have guides to Rome's museums?
Use when planning museum visits in Rome (or any Italian city) and wanting a preparation guide or companion to a specific collection.
Posso avere lo scontrino?
Can I have the receipt?
Ask at the till after paying for books. The receipt is especially important if the books are for a child at school (tax deductible in Italy) or for business/educational expenses.