Può fare uno scontrino?

Can you give me a receipt?

Pronunciation

'Scontrino' — 'skon-TRI-no'. Four syllables. The 'sc' is 'sk' before a consonant.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Può' is the formal present of 'potere'. 'Scontrino' is the small receipt (literally 'little counter'). You may also hear 'ricevuta' for a more formal receipt.

Variations

Mi dà lo scontrino, per favore?

Can you give me the receipt, please?

Slightly more direct imperative form

Può fare una ricevuta?

Can you give me an invoice/formal receipt?

For business expenses — more formal document

Ho bisogno dello scontrino per il reso.

I need the receipt for a return.

Explaining why you need it

Mini Dialogue

Commessa: Ecco il suo resto. Cliente: Grazie. Può fare uno scontrino? Commessa: Eccolo. Tenga, è già incluso nella busta. Cliente: Ottimo, grazie.

Assistant: Here's your change. Customer: Thank you. Can you give me a receipt? Assistant: Here it is. Here you go, it's already included in the bag. Customer: Great, thank you.

Cultural Note

In Italy, the Guardia di Finanza (financial police) can stop customers outside a shop and fine them if they don't have a receipt. Always take your 'scontrino' — it's not just polite, it's legally important.

← Previous

Posso pagare con la carta?

Posso fare il cambio?

← All phrases: At the Clothing Store