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PhrasesAt the SupermarketPosso passare a un'altra cassa?
B1

Posso passare a un'altra cassa?

Can I move to another checkout?

Pronunciation

'Passare' — 'pas-SA-re'. Three syllables, stress on second.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Passare a un'altra cassa' = to move to another checkout. 'Posso' = can I. This is a polite way to announce you're moving to prevent others thinking you're queue-jumping.

Variations

Si è liberata una cassa.

A checkout has become free.

Alerting others that a new lane is open

Mi faccio servire lì.

I'll get served over there.

Announcing you're moving to another till

Le dispiace se passo all'altra cassa?

Do you mind if I move to the other checkout?

Very polite — asking the cashier's permission

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Scusi, posso passare all'altra cassa? Si è aperta una nuova. Cassiera: Certo, vada pure. Cliente: Grazie. Era lunga la fila. Cassiera: Capisce. Buona spesa!

Customer: Excuse me, can I move to the other checkout? A new one has opened. Cashier: Of course, please go. Customer: Thank you. The queue was long. Cashier: I understand. Enjoy your shopping!

Cultural Note

Italian supermarket queue etiquette is strict. Moving to a shorter line is fine when done visibly and with communication — sneaking forward is considered rude. 'Buona spesa!' (Enjoy your shopping!) is the standard cashier farewell.