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PhrasesAt the LibraryAvete libri in lingua inglese?
A2

Avete libri in lingua inglese?

Do you have books in English?

Pronunciation

Stress 'IN-glee-ze'. 'Avete' = a-VEH-te — you have (plural).

When to use it

Ask this if you're an English speaker looking for reading material in your native language, or if you're an Italian learner looking for bilingual editions.

What it means

'In lingua inglese' = in English (literally 'in English language'). You can substitute: 'francese' (French), 'tedesco' (German), 'spagnolo' (Spanish), 'cinese' (Chinese). 'Edizione bilingue' = bilingual edition. Larger Italian city libraries typically have foreign language sections ('sezione lingue straniere').

Variations

Avete edizioni bilingui italiano-inglese?

Do you have bilingual Italian-English editions?

Bilingual books for language learning.

Dov'è la sezione delle lingue straniere?

Where is the foreign languages section?

Finding the section.

Posso ordinare un libro in inglese?

Can I order a book in English?

Requesting an interlibrary loan.

Mini Dialogue

— Avete libri in lingua inglese? — Sì, abbiamo una piccola sezione al secondo piano. Soprattutto classici e bestseller. — Bene. Cercate qualcosa in particolare? — No, voglio solo sfogliare. Grazie!

— Do you have books in English? — Yes, we have a small section on the second floor. Mostly classics and bestsellers. — Good. Are you looking for something in particular? — No, I just want to browse. Thank you!

Cultural Note

English-language sections ('sezioni in lingua inglese') are standard in Italian university and city libraries, though rural libraries may have limited selections. The 'Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale' in Rome and Florence hold copies of all publications legally deposited in Italy and have extensive foreign language collections. British Council libraries in major Italian cities offer extensive English collections.