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PhrasesAt the SupermarketLa busta ha un costo?
A1

La busta ha un costo?

Does the bag cost anything?

Pronunciation

'Busta' — 'BUS-ta'. Two syllables, stress on first.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Ha un costo' = has a cost = costs something. Simple way to ask. Italy banned free plastic bags in 2011. Biodegradable bags cost 0.02–0.50€. Bringing reusable bags is expected.

Variations

Ho portato la borsa mia.

I've brought my own bag.

Stating you have your own bag — saves the cost discussion

Può darmi una busta?

Can you give me a bag?

Requesting a bag directly

Quanto costa la borsa in tessuto?

How much does the fabric bag cost?

Asking about reusable bag sold at the till

Mini Dialogue

Cassiera: Vuole una busta? Cliente: La busta ha un costo? Cassiera: Sì, due centesimi quella in carta, cinque quella riutilizzabile in tessuto. Cliente: Prendo quella riutilizzabile allora.

Cashier: Would you like a bag? Customer: Does the bag cost anything? Cashier: Yes, two cents for the paper one, five for the reusable fabric one. Customer: I'll take the reusable one then.

Cultural Note

The Italian 'borsa della spesa' (shopping bag) culture was strong long before plastic bags were banned. Traditional Italian housewives ('massaie') always carried their own woven basket or net bag ('retina') to the market. The reusable bag is a return to tradition.