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PhrasesAt the BookshopAvete le opere complete di Dante?
B1formal

Avete le opere complete di Dante?

Do you have the complete works of Dante?

Pronunciation

'Opere' — O-pe-re. Three syllables, stress on the first.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Opere complete' = complete works. 'Di Dante' = by Dante (Alighieri). Italian publishing has dedicated series for complete works: Mondadori's 'Meridiani' series is the gold standard for complete Italian literary works — expensive, scholarly, and beautiful.

Variations

Avete le opere di Leopardi?

Do you have the works of Leopardi?

Italy's greatest lyric poet.

Esiste un'edizione critica?

Is there a critical edition?

Scholarly edition with notes.

Avete i Meridiani?

Do you have the Meridiani series?

Mondadori's prestige complete works series.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Avete le opere complete di Dante? Libraio: Abbiamo diverse edizioni. L'edizione critica Petrocchi per la Commedia, o qualcosa di più accessibile? Cliente: Cerco la Divina Commedia con commento. Libraio: Il Sapegno o il Singleton — sono i commenti classici.

Customer: Do you have the complete works of Dante? Bookseller: We have several editions. The critical Petrocchi edition for the Comedy, or something more accessible? Customer: I am looking for the Divine Comedy with commentary. Bookseller: Sapegno or Singleton — those are the classic commentaries.

Cultural Note

Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) is considered the father of the Italian language. The 'Divine Comedy' ('La Divina Commedia') is one of the great works of world literature. 2021 was the 700th anniversary of Dante's death — celebrated across Italy with exhibitions, events, and renewed publishing interest.