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PhrasesAt the SupermarketDov'è la cassa?
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Dov'è la cassa?

Where is the checkout?

Pronunciation

'Cassa' — 'KAS-sa'. Double 's'. Two syllables, stress on first. Hard 'c'.

When to use it

When you've finished shopping and need to find the tills. Italian supermarkets may have standard lanes, express lanes ('cassa express') and self-checkout.

What it means

'Cassa' = till/checkout/cashier. 'La cassa' can mean the checkout desk, the cashier person or the cash register — all the same word. 'Cassiera/cassiere' = female/male cashier.

Variations

C'è la cassa automatica?

Is there a self-checkout?

'Cassa automatica' or 'cassa self-service' = self-checkout

Qual è la cassa express?

Which is the express checkout?

Express checkout for few items — 'cassa express' or 'cassa 10 articoli'

Questa cassa è aperta?

Is this checkout open?

Checking if a specific till is staffed and open

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Scusi, dov'è la cassa? Commessa: Le casse sono in fondo, girando a destra. Per pochi articoli può usare la cassa express — è la prima a sinistra. Cliente: Ho solo sei prodotti. Commessa: Allora la express fa al caso suo.

Customer: Excuse me, where is the checkout? Assistant: The checkouts are at the back, turn right. For a few items you can use the express checkout — it's the first on the left. Customer: I only have six products. Assistant: Then the express is right for you.

Cultural Note

Italian supermarket express lanes typically allow 8-10 items. It's considered very rude to go through with more — Italian queue culture is strict about this. Going to the wrong lane with too many items will earn disapproving looks.