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PhrasesAt the MarketMe li mette nel sacchetto?
A1

Me li mette nel sacchetto?

Can you put them in a bag for me?

Pronunciation

me li MET-te nel sak-KET-to

When to use it

Asking the vendor to bag your purchase.

What it means

Italian markets typically provide thin plastic or paper bags for produce. Since 2011, Italy has largely phased out free single-use plastic bags for produce, replaced by biodegradable options which often cost a few cents. Bringing your own bag (sporta) is increasingly common.

Variations

Ho la mia borsa, grazie.

I have my own bag, thank you.

If you brought a reusable shopping bag

Mi dà una busta?

Can you give me a bag?

'Busta' is also commonly used for bag

Li metta delicatamente — sono fragili.

Put them in carefully — they're fragile.

For delicate fruit like figs or ripe tomatoes

Mini Dialogue

— Me li mette nel sacchetto? — Certo. Ho solo buste biodegradabili — cinque centesimi. — Va bene, nessun problema. — Ecco fatto — buona giornata!

— Can you put them in a bag for me? — Of course. I only have biodegradable bags — five cents. — That's fine, no problem. — There we go — have a nice day!

Cultural Note

Italy's 2011 ban on non-biodegradable bags for loose produce was one of the first in Europe. The sacchetti biodegradabili at markets are made from compostable material and can go in the organic waste bin.