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PhrasesAt the MarketUn chilo di pomodori, per favore.
A1

Un chilo di pomodori, per favore.

A kilo of tomatoes, please.

Pronunciation

un KI-lo di po-mo-DO-ri per fa-VO-re

When to use it

Ordering produce by weight at a fruit and vegetable stall.

What it means

Buying by the kilo is standard at Italian markets. Vendors weigh the produce on a scale (bilancia) and tell you the total. You can also request mezzo chilo (half a kilo) or due etti (200 grams) for smaller quantities.

Variations

Mezzo chilo di pomodori, grazie.

Half a kilo of tomatoes, thank you.

For smaller quantities

Due chili di pomodori, per favore.

Two kilos of tomatoes, please.

For larger quantities, e.g. making sauce

Trecento grammi di pomodorini, per favore.

Three hundred grams of cherry tomatoes, please.

For cherry tomatoes sold in smaller amounts

Mini Dialogue

— Un chilo di pomodori, per favore. — Questi o quelli più piccoli? — Quelli grandi, per la salsa. — Perfetto, eccoli. Un euro e venti.

— A kilo of tomatoes, please. — These or the smaller ones? — The big ones, for the sauce. — Perfect, here they are. One euro twenty.

Cultural Note

Italians are particular about tomatoes for different uses: San Marzano for sauce, cuore di bue (ox-heart) for salads, datterini for sweetness. A good vendor will ask what you intend to cook.