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PhrasesAt the BookshopAvete libri in inglese?
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Avete libri in inglese?

Do you have books in English?

Pronunciation

'Inglese' — in-GLE-ze. Three syllables.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'In inglese' = in English (the language). 'Avete libri in inglese?' checks stock. Italian cities have specialist English-language shops: 'The Lion Bookshop' (Rome), 'The American Library' (Florence), 'Mondadori Multicenter' (Milan) with large English sections.

Variations

C'è una libreria in inglese in città?

Is there an English-language bookshop in the city?

Asks for specialist shop.

Avete libri in altre lingue?

Do you have books in other languages?

Broader question.

Dove posso trovare libri in inglese?

Where can I find books in English?

Asks for directions.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Avete libri in inglese? Libraio: Abbiamo una piccola sezione al piano di sotto. Ma per una scelta ampia, c'è 'The Lion Bookshop' a due passi da Piazza del Popolo. Cliente: Vendete libri di scuola in inglese? Libraio: Solo testi universitari — cerchi la sezione 'testi stranieri'.

Customer: Do you have books in English? Bookseller: We have a small section downstairs. But for a wide selection, there is 'The Lion Bookshop' a short walk from Piazza del Popolo. Customer: Do you sell school books in English? Bookseller: Only university texts — look for the 'foreign texts' section.

Cultural Note

The English-language bookshop 'The Anglo-American Book Co.' in Rome (near the Spanish Steps) and the Feltrinelli RED stores in major cities have significant English sections. Many Italians read books in English for language practice — it is common and considered sophisticated.