Can I have a paper bag for the fish?
'Carta' — 'KAR-ta'. Two syllables, stress on first. Hard 'c', clear 'r'.
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.
'Busta di carta' = paper bag. 'Per il pesce' = for the fish. At Italian food counters, asking for paper wrapping is standard — it preserves freshness and is culturally expected.
Me lo avvolge nella carta?
Can you wrap it in paper for me?
'Avvolgere' = to wrap — requesting traditional paper wrapping
La carta da macellaio, per favore.
The butcher's paper, please.
Specifying the wax/butcher paper for meat or fish
Non serve la busta, grazie.
No need for a bag, thank you.
When you have your own container for fresh fish
Traditional Italian fishmongers ('pescivendoli') and deli counters wrap everything in waxed paper. This is not just tradition — paper allows fish and meat to breathe slightly, reducing moisture buildup and extending freshness compared to sealed plastic.