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PhrasesAt the BookshopAvete libri usati?
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Avete libri usati?

Do you have second-hand books?

Pronunciation

'Usati' — u-ZA-ti. Three syllables.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Usati' = used/second-hand (plural of 'usato'). 'Libri usati' = used books. Italian second-hand bookshop vocabulary: 'usato' (used), 'seminuovo' (nearly new), 'fuori catalogo' (out of print), 'antiquariato' (antiquarian — genuinely old books).

Variations

Vendete libri fuori catalogo?

Do you sell out-of-print books?

Out-of-print titles often found in second-hand shops.

Comprate libri usati?

Do you buy used books?

Selling your own books to the shop.

Avete libri antichi?

Do you have antique books?

Truly old collectible books.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Avete libri usati? Libraia: Sì — tutto il piano di sotto è libri usati. I prezzi vanno da uno a dieci euro. Cliente: Comprate anche libri dai privati? Libraia: Sì, valutiamo i libri — porti pure.

Customer: Do you have second-hand books? Bookseller: Yes — the entire lower floor is used books. Prices range from one to ten euros. Customer: Do you also buy books from private individuals? Bookseller: Yes, we evaluate books — please bring them along.

Cultural Note

Italy has a vibrant second-hand book culture. Markets like the Porta Portese in Rome sell thousands of used books every Sunday. The concept of 'bookcrossing' ('bookcrossing.com') has Italian chapters in most major cities — leaving books in public places for strangers to find and pass on.