Phrases › At the Supermarket › Non ho abbastanza spiccioli.

Non ho abbastanza spiccioli.

I don't have enough change.

Pronunciation

'Spiccioli' — 'SPIK-cho-li'. Three syllables. The 'cc' = 'kk', the 'i' after makes it 'kky'. Stress on first.

When to use it

At the checkout when you don't have exact change. Italian cashiers often request exact change — warning them in advance is good etiquette.

What it means

'Spiccioli' = small coins/loose change. 'Abbastanza' = enough. 'Non ho abbastanza spiccioli' = I don't have enough small change. This is very natural Italian.

Variations

Ha il resto?

Do you have change?

'Resto' = change (given back) — asking if they can make change

Paga con la carta?

Are you paying by card?

The cashier might ask when you can't make change — card avoids the issue

Non ho il centesimo esatto.

I don't have the exact cent.

When you're just a few cents short of the exact amount

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Non ho abbastanza spiccioli. Posso pagare con un biglietto da venti? Cassiera: Sì, certo. Le dò il resto in monete. Vuole anche il centesimo? Cliente: Lasci pure. Cassiera: Allora le arrotondo e le do sette euro.

Customer: I don't have enough change. Can I pay with a twenty euro note? Cashier: Yes, of course. I'll give you change in coins. Would you like the cent too? Customer: Leave it. Cashier: Then I'll round it and give you seven euros.

Cultural Note

Italian cashiers genuinely appreciate exact change and will often ask 'ha il centesimo?' (do you have the cent?) to avoid breaking large notes. Giving exact change in Italy is a small act of courtesy that earns you a warm smile.

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