Che numero porta?

What shoe size do you take?

Pronunciation

'Numero' — 'NOO-me-ro'. Three syllables, stress on first. Don't say 'nu-ME-ro'.

When to use it

The first question any Italian shoe shop assistant asks. Know your European shoe size — Italian sizes follow the European standard.

What it means

For shoes, Italians use 'numero' (number/size), not 'taglia' (size for clothing). 'Porta' from 'portare' — you 'carry/wear' your size in Italian. EU sizes: men's 39–47, women's 35–42.

Variations

Che misura porta?

What size do you take?

'Misura' = size/measure — used interchangeably with 'numero' in some regions

Porto il quarantadue.

I take a forty-two.

The answer — use this to respond

Non conosco il mio numero europeo.

I don't know my European size.

If you only know UK/US sizes, say this and they'll measure your foot

Mini Dialogue

Commessa: Buongiorno! Che numero porta? Cliente: Porto il trentanove. Commessa: Perfetto. Stava cercando qualcosa in particolare? Cliente: Sì, un paio di décolleté nere con il tacco.

Assistant: Good morning! What shoe size do you take? Customer: I take a thirty-nine. Assistant: Perfect. Were you looking for something specific? Customer: Yes, a pair of black heeled court shoes.

Cultural Note

Italy is one of the world's centres for shoe manufacturing. The Marche region — especially around Macerata — produces a huge percentage of Italian footwear. Knowing this helps appreciate why Italian shoe shops can be so passionate about their products.

Posso provare questi?

← All phrases: At the Shoe Shop