43 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1
Dove si trova il reparto frutta e verdura?
Where is the fruit and vegetable section?
Your first navigation question in an unfamiliar Italian supermarket. Layout varies — asking is always the quickest solution.
Devo pesare la frutta qui?
Do I need to weigh the fruit here?
Essential question in Italian supermarkets. Almost all supermarkets require self-service weighing of loose fruit and vegetables before the till.
Dove sono i carrelli?
Where are the shopping trolleys?
At the entrance of a supermarket when you need a trolley. Italian supermarket trolleys often require a coin deposit.
Dove si trova la pasta?
Where is the pasta?
The most Italian question in any supermarket. Pasta sections in Italian supermarkets are enormous — knowing where to find them saves time.
Avete latte intero?
Do you have whole milk?
Asking for a specific milk type. Italian milk comes in several varieties and is sold both refrigerated and in UHT long-life versions.
Questo prodotto è senza glutine?
Is this product gluten-free?
For coeliac or gluten-sensitive shoppers. Italy has a very well-developed gluten-free ('senza glutine') product range — Italian coeliac association (AIC) has a wide certification programme.
Ha la tessera fedeltà?
Do you have a loyalty card?
You'll be asked this at every Italian supermarket till. Major chains have loyalty schemes with points, discounts and personalised offers.
Dov'è la cassa?
Where is the checkout?
When you've finished shopping and need to find the tills. Italian supermarkets may have standard lanes, express lanes ('cassa express') and self-checkout.
La busta ha un costo?
Does the bag cost anything?
At the checkout before the cashier starts scanning. Italy charges for both plastic and biodegradable bags. Bringing your own bag ('borsa della spesa') is the norm.
Accettate pagamento contactless?
Do you accept contactless payment?
Checking payment options before the till process begins. Italian supermarkets almost universally accept contactless now, but worth confirming in smaller shops.
Dov'è il banco del pesce?
Where is the fish counter?
Looking for the fresh fish counter — a key section in Italian supermarkets, especially near the coast. Fresh fish quality in Italian supermarkets is often excellent.
Quanti giorni ha questo prodotto?
How many days does this product have? (What's the shelf life?)
Checking remaining shelf life before buying perishables. Italians check expiry dates obsessively — asking staff for help is perfectly normal.
Dove si trova l'olio d'oliva?
Where is the olive oil?
Finding olive oil — a central product in Italian cooking. Italian supermarkets stock a huge range of olive oils and navigating the aisle can be overwhelming.
Avete prodotti biologici?
Do you have organic products?
Looking for organic ('bio') produce. Italian organic food market is large and growing — most major supermarkets have extensive bio ranges.
Avete prosciutto al banco?
Do you have ham at the deli counter?
Asking for freshly sliced ham from the deli counter ('banco salumi'). Freshly sliced is always preferable to pre-packaged in Italian food culture.
Questo è in offerta?
Is this on offer?
When a price tag seems lower than expected, or when a product is displayed with a special offer sign. Checking before putting it in your basket.
Dove sono i surgelati?
Where are the frozen foods?
Finding the frozen food section. Italian frozen foods are high quality — especially frozen fish, vegetables and pasta, which maintain Italian quality standards.
Avete Parmigiano Reggiano?
Do you have Parmigiano Reggiano?
Asking for Italy's most famous cheese. Always specify 'Parmigiano Reggiano' — 'Parmesan' in Italian law refers only to the DOP version from the Parma/Reggio Emilia area.
Avete vino locale?
Do you have local wine?
Looking for regional wine — the best way to discover authentic Italian wine at affordable prices. Local wines in Italian supermarkets are often extraordinary value.
Posso controllare gli ingredienti?
Can I check the ingredients?
For allergy checking or dietary requirements. Italian food labelling is detailed and in Italian — knowing how to ask for help is important for travellers with specific needs.
Posso avere lo scontrino separato?
Can I have a separate receipt?
When splitting purchases for different purposes — personal and business expenses, for example. Also useful when sharing a shop with someone.
Dove trovo il pane?
Where do I find the bread?
Finding the bread — a daily staple in Italy. Supermarkets have both pre-packaged and freshly baked bread. Fresh bread is often near the entrance.
Queste mele sono fresche?
Are these apples fresh?
Checking freshness of fruit. Italians examine and touch fruit carefully before buying — asking staff about freshness is normal and expected.
C'è molta coda alla cassa?
Is there a long queue at the checkout?
Asking a fellow shopper or staff member about queue status before joining the checkout. Useful for choosing the quickest lane.
Posso avere la busta di carta per il pesce?
Can I have a paper bag for the fish?
At the fish or meat counter when you want traditional paper wrapping. In Italian culture, freshly cut fish and meat are always wrapped in paper, never just placed in a plastic bag.
Avete pomodori San Marzano?
Do you have San Marzano tomatoes?
Asking for the premium tomato variety used in authentic Neapolitan pizza. Worth specifying — Italian supermarkets stock many tomato varieties.
Questo prodotto è italiano?
Is this product Italian?
Checking product origin — very important to many Italian consumers. 'Made in Italy' preference is strong in Italian food culture.
Dove si trova il reparto latticini?
Where is the dairy section?
Finding dairy products. Italian supermarkets have large, diverse dairy sections — finding them efficiently matters for a quick shop.
Avete prodotti per celiaci?
Do you have products for coeliacs?
Asking about the coeliac-specific range. Italy has more coeliac disease diagnoses than most countries, so the dedicated product range is extensive.
Quanto pesano questi?
How much do these weigh?
At the deli or butcher counter when you're not sure about quantities, or when a product doesn't have a clear weight label.
Dove trovo le erbe aromatiche?
Where do I find the herbs?
Finding fresh or dried herbs — essential for Italian cooking. Fresh herbs are usually near the fruit and veg section; dried herbs are in the condiments aisle.
Fate consegna a domicilio?
Do you deliver to the home?
Asking about home delivery services. Italian supermarket chains now offer delivery — useful for heavy shops or when visiting without a car.
Dove si trova la farina?
Where is the flour?
Finding flour — an essential Italian baking ingredient. Italian flour has a unique classification system (type 00, 0, 1, 2, integrale) different from other countries.
Non ho abbastanza spiccioli.
I don't have enough change.
At the checkout when you don't have exact change. Italian cashiers often request exact change — warning them in advance is good etiquette.
C'è uno sconto sul secondo pezzo?
Is there a discount on the second piece?
Asking about multi-buy deals. Italian supermarkets run '2x1', '3x2' and 'secondo a metà prezzo' (second at half price) offers regularly.
Dove si trovano i detersivi?
Where are the cleaning products?
Finding cleaning and laundry products. Italian supermarkets have large household product sections — important for anyone stocking a new apartment.
Avete acqua naturale?
Do you have still / natural water?
Buying bottled water — Italy has a huge bottled water culture. 'Naturale' means still; 'frizzante' means sparkling. You must specify.
Posso passare a un'altra cassa?
Can I move to another checkout?
When your queue is very slow and another lane opens. It's polite to ask — in Italian queue culture, switching lanes randomly can cause friction.
Avete qualcosa senza zucchero?
Do you have anything without sugar?
Looking for sugar-free options for dietary reasons. Italy has expanded its sugar-free range significantly — both for diabetics and health-conscious shoppers.
Dove sono le uova?
Where are the eggs?
Finding eggs — a staple in Italian cooking. Italy produces and consumes large numbers of eggs, with quality ratings clearly displayed on packaging.
Avete il volantino delle offerte?
Do you have the offers leaflet?
At the entrance, asking for the weekly offers leaflet. Italian supermarkets produce detailed weekly flyers — a cornerstone of Italian family food budgeting.
Dov'è la cassa self-service?
Where is the self-checkout?
Finding the self-checkout for a quick shop. Italian self-checkouts have Italian-language interfaces — knowing basic vocabulary helps navigate them.
Quanto mi viene in totale?
How much does it come to in total?
Asking for the total before paying. Very natural Italian — 'venire' used to express cost is extremely common in Italian commercial contexts.