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PhrasesAt the Clothing StoreAvete qualcosa senza maniche?
A2

Avete qualcosa senza maniche?

Do you have anything sleeveless?

Pronunciation

'Maniche' — 'MA-ni-ke'. Three syllables, stress on first. The 'ch' before 'e' = hard 'k'.

When to use it

Shopping for warm weather or formal events where sleeveless is preferred. Useful in summer shops or when looking for specific styles.

What it means

'Senza maniche' = without sleeves (literally). 'Maniche' is the plural of 'manica' (sleeve). 'Senza' + noun is the standard structure for 'without' in Italian.

Variations

Avete qualcosa a maniche corte?

Do you have anything with short sleeves?

'A maniche corte' = short-sleeved

Preferisco maniche lunghe.

I prefer long sleeves.

'Maniche lunghe' = long sleeves — expressing preference

Avete canottiere?

Do you have vest tops?

'Canottiera' = sleeveless vest/tank top — specific garment

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Ho un matrimonio in estate. Avete qualcosa senza maniche ma elegante? Commessa: Certamente. Abbiamo abiti da cerimonia senza maniche con coprispalle incluso. Cliente: Il coprispalle è necessario in chiesa. Commessa: Esatto, e così ha un look completo.

Customer: I have a wedding in summer. Do you have anything sleeveless but elegant? Assistant: Certainly. We have formal dresses without sleeves including a shawl. Customer: The shawl is necessary in church. Assistant: Exactly, and this way you have a complete look.

Cultural Note

When visiting Italian churches — even as a tourist — bare shoulders and knees must be covered. Shops near tourist churches in Rome and Florence often sell cheap scarves and wraps for this purpose.