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PhrasesAt the BookshopAvete i libri di testo per le scuole?
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Avete i libri di testo per le scuole?

Do you have school textbooks?

Pronunciation

'Testo' — TES-to. Two syllables.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Libri di testo' = textbooks. 'Per le scuole' = for schools. Italian state schools provide a list ('lista libri') of required textbooks each year. Families buy them at bookshops, often at a discount with a loyalty card, or second-hand through 'mercatini del libro usato' (used book fairs).

Variations

Ho la lista dei libri di mio figlio.

I have my son's book list.

Shows the required list.

Avete libri usati per le medie?

Do you have used books for middle school?

Second-hand school books.

Fate lo sconto sui libri scolastici?

Do you give a discount on school books?

Asks about school book discounts.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Avete i libri di testo per le scuole? Libraio: Sì — se ha la lista, la aiutiamo a trovare tutto. In che classe è suo figlio? Cliente: Prima media — ha anche la lista. Libraio: Bene — la guido io tra gli scaffali.

Customer: Do you have school textbooks? Bookseller: Yes — if you have the list, we'll help you find everything. What year is your son in? Customer: First year of middle school — he also has the list. Bookseller: Good — I'll guide you through the shelves.

Cultural Note

In Italy, parents spend an average of €600–€800 per child on school textbooks annually. This significant cost has driven a secondary market for used school books ('libri scolastici usati'). The Italian government has tried to reduce costs through digital textbooks but uptake has been slow.