55 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Posso aiutarla?
Can I help you?
Said by shop assistants when approaching a customer. Use this yourself when you want to offer help. In Italy, staff often approach quickly.
Sto solo guardando, grazie.
I'm just looking, thank you.
When a shop assistant approaches and you're not ready to ask for help. Polite way to browse freely without being rude.
Cerco una camicia.
I'm looking for a shirt.
The simplest way to state what you need. Use immediately after greeting the assistant or in response to their offer of help.
Che taglia porta?
What size do you take?
Said by staff to help find the right size. You'll hear this constantly in Italian shops. Know your European size before you go.
Porto la quarantadue.
I take a size forty-two.
When asked your size, or when looking for something specific on a rail. Knowing your Italian size makes shopping much smoother.
Ha questo in rosso?
Do you have this in red?
When you like a style but want a different colour. Point to the item while asking to make communication clearer.
Posso provarlo?
Can I try it on?
Before taking anything to the fitting room. In Italy it's standard to ask, though most stores allow it freely.
Dove sono i camerini?
Where are the fitting rooms?
When you have items to try and can't see the fitting rooms. Ask any staff member — they'll point you in the right direction.
Ha una taglia in su?
Do you have one size up?
After trying something that's too small. Italian sizing can run small in some brands, especially tailoring. Always worth asking.
Quanto costa questo?
How much does this cost?
When the price tag is missing or you want to confirm. Perfectly polite in any shop — never embarrassing to ask.
C'è uno sconto?
Is there a discount?
When you like something but the price is steep, or during sale periods. Not rude to ask — Italians appreciate a savvy shopper.
Ha qualcosa di più economico?
Do you have something cheaper?
When the item is over your budget and you want alternatives. Honest and practical — staff will guide you to a different section.
È in saldo?
Is it on sale?
During or after sale seasons, or when a sign isn't entirely clear. 'Saldi' (sales) are a big cultural event in Italy.
Mi piace molto.
I like it a lot.
After trying something on or looking at an item. Signals your interest to the assistant without fully committing to a purchase.
Non mi convince.
I'm not sure about it. / It doesn't convince me.
When you don't love what you've tried but don't want to be blunt. A diplomatic Italian way to say 'no' without hurting feelings.
Lo prendo.
I'll take it.
The simplest way to say you're buying the item. Clear, direct, no ambiguity. Staff will then lead you to the till.
Posso pagare con la carta?
Can I pay by card?
Before reaching the till in smaller shops. Italy has improved card acceptance, but small boutiques sometimes prefer cash or have minimum spend rules.
Può fare uno scontrino?
Can you give me a receipt?
After paying. In Italy you are legally entitled to a receipt and the shop is legally required to give you one. Ask firmly if they don't offer it.
Posso fare il cambio?
Can I exchange it?
When returning with an item that didn't fit or was a gift. Always bring your receipt. Italian shops have the right to limit exchange windows.
È un regalo. Può fare un pacchetto?
It's a gift. Can you gift-wrap it?
When buying something as a gift. Many Italian boutiques offer beautiful gift wrapping as part of their service, sometimes at no extra cost.
Avete una newsletter?
Do you have a newsletter?
When you want to be informed about future sales or new stock. Italian boutiques increasingly offer email lists with early sale access.
Avete un reparto uomo?
Do you have a menswear section?
In multi-department stores or boutiques that might carry both genders. Useful for navigating larger Italian department stores like La Rinascente.
Cercate personale?
Are you hiring staff?
When job-seeking. Italian retail often hires verbally — asking directly in-store is common and not inappropriate.
Avete la stessa cosa in cotone?
Do you have the same thing in cotton?
When you like the style but want a different fabric. Useful in summer when linen and cotton are preferred, or for sensitive skin.
È lavabile in lavatrice?
Is it machine washable?
Before buying delicate items like knitwear or silk. Dry-clean-only garments are common in Italian fashion and have extra maintenance costs.
Ha qualcosa di più elegante?
Do you have something more elegant?
When shopping for a formal event, business meeting or dinner. Italy has a sharp distinction between casual and 'elegante' — never conflate them.
Questo colore mi sta bene?
Does this colour suit me?
Asking for the shop assistant's opinion on a colour. Italians take colour coordination seriously and will give honest, helpful answers.
Ha qualcosa di più casual?
Do you have something more casual?
When looking for relaxed everyday wear rather than formal pieces. Useful if a shop seems to skew too formal for your needs.
È Made in Italy?
Is it Made in Italy?
When buying quality clothing and wanting to verify origin. Made in Italy has legal meaning and implies quality standards — worth asking.
Avete abbigliamento vintage?
Do you have vintage clothing?
In second-hand shops, markets or boutiques that mix eras. Italy has a growing vintage scene, especially in Rome, Milan, Florence and Bologna.
Avete taglie forti?
Do you have plus sizes?
When standard sizing doesn't fit. The Italian term 'taglie forti' is neutral and standard — not offensive. Use it directly.
Questa giacca è di pelle?
Is this jacket made of leather?
When checking materials on jackets, bags or shoes. Real leather vs synthetic is a big distinction in Italian fashion — both in price and status.
Posso vedere qualcosa di simile?
Can I see something similar?
When you like a style but it doesn't quite work — wrong size, colour or price. Invites the assistant to show alternatives.
Quando arriva il nuovo stock?
When does the new stock arrive?
When you like something but your size or colour isn't available. Italian shops rotate stock seasonally and can often tell you delivery dates.
Avete un programma fedeltà?
Do you have a loyalty programme?
When shopping at a store you might return to. Many Italian chain stores and boutiques have points-based loyalty systems worth signing up for.
Cerco un regalo per mia moglie.
I'm looking for a gift for my wife.
When shopping for someone else. Staff will ask a series of helpful questions about size, style and budget to guide you to the right choice.
Posso avere la busta?
Can I have the bag?
When your purchase doesn't automatically come with a bag, or when buying small items. In Italy, plastic bags now often cost extra by law.
Mi manda il catalogo?
Can you send me the catalogue?
In boutiques that produce seasonal catalogues. Increasingly, this means digital catalogues or lookbooks sent by email or WhatsApp.
È della nuova collezione?
Is it from the new collection?
When you see something you love and want to know if it's current season or from a previous collection (which might mean it's discounted).
Questa marca è italiana?
Is this brand Italian?
When you're curious about the brand's origins, especially in stores that mix Italian and international brands. Common among tourists buying gifts.
Avete qualcosa in nero?
Do you have anything in black?
Asking for black clothing — the most versatile colour. Italians love black for its elegance and versatility, especially in city fashion.
Ha gli accessori abbinati?
Do you have matching accessories?
When building a complete look and wanting coordinated items. Italian fashion culture strongly values the complete, coordinated outfit.
Quanto tempo ci vuole per le modifiche?
How long do alterations take?
When an item fits well overall but needs adjusting. Alterations are widely available in Italy and not just for expensive clothes.
C'è uno specchio?
Is there a mirror?
When you're trying something on in the main floor and there's no mirror nearby. Full-length mirrors may only be inside fitting rooms.
Avete un outlet?
Do you have an outlet store?
When looking for discounted items from previous seasons. Italy has world-famous outlet villages outside major cities with huge discounts.
Questo è troppo stretto.
This is too tight.
When something doesn't fit because it's too tight. Clear feedback that helps the assistant find the right size or an alternative.
Avete qualcosa senza maniche?
Do you have anything sleeveless?
Shopping for warm weather or formal events where sleeveless is preferred. Useful in summer shops or when looking for specific styles.
Avete qualcosa di più lungo?
Do you have anything longer?
When a skirt, dress or jacket is too short for your preference. Useful for taller shoppers or those with conservative dress requirements.
Non mi serve più, grazie.
I don't need it anymore, thank you.
When an assistant has been helping you and you want to politely end the interaction without buying. Graceful and non-offensive.
Avete tute da ginnastica?
Do you have tracksuits?
When shopping for sportswear. Italian sport culture means high-quality tracksuits are widely available — from budget to designer.
Ha qualcosa di impermeabile?
Do you have anything waterproof?
Looking for rain gear or weather-resistant clothing. Italy has varying climates — Venice and Milan can be very rainy, while Sicily is dry.
Avete cinture e sciarpe?
Do you have belts and scarves?
Looking for accessories to complete an outfit. Italian boutiques often carry a full range of accessories alongside clothing.
Avete taglie per bambini?
Do you have children's sizes?
When shopping for children in an adult-focused store. Many Italian boutiques have small children's sections or sister shops nearby.
Avete qualcosa in offerta?
Do you have anything on offer?
A smart opening question at any time of year. 'Offerta' (offer/special price) exists outside formal sale seasons and staff are happy to show you.
Avete un personal shopper?
Do you have a personal shopper?
In high-end department stores or boutiques. Personal shopping services are increasingly available in Italian luxury retail and are often free.