Torno domani — lo tiene da parte?

I'll come back tomorrow — can you set it aside for me?

Pronunciation

TOR-no do-MA-ni lo TYE-ne da PAR-te

When to use it

Asking the vendor to reserve a product for collection the next day.

What it means

This is a phrase used by regular market customers who have built a relationship with their vendor. The practice of tenere da parte (setting aside) is common for seasonal items in limited supply, such as truffles, porcini, or artisan cheese.

Variations

Me lo metta da parte, torno nel pomeriggio.

Put it aside for me, I'll be back this afternoon.

Returning the same day

Le telefono domani mattina.

I'll phone you tomorrow morning.

Confirming by phone — requires having the vendor's number

Quanti ne ha? Li prendo tutti.

How many do you have? I'll take them all.

Alternatively, buying the entire stock on the spot

Mini Dialogue

— Ho finito i soldi oggi. Torno domani — tiene da parte questo pecorino? — Per lei sì — metto il suo nome. Come si chiama? — Francesca. Grazie mille. — Domani mattina sarà qui, Francesca.

— I've run out of money today. I'll come back tomorrow — can you set this pecorino aside? — For you yes — I'll put your name on it. What's your name? — Francesca. Thank you so much. — It'll be here tomorrow morning, Francesca.

Cultural Note

The personal relationship between Italian market vendor and regular customer (cliente di fiducia) is one of the pillars of Italian food culture. Vendors remember preferences, save the best items, and often give small gifts (un cadeau) with a large purchase.

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