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PhrasesAt the TobacconistHa un accendino?
A1

Ha un accendino?

Do you have a lighter?

Pronunciation

ac-cen-DI-no — the 'cc' is a double consonant producing a short stop; stress falls on the third syllable.

When to use it

Use this to buy a disposable lighter. A quick, common request at any tabaccheria counter.

What it means

'Ha' is the formal form of avere used in shops. 'Un accendino' is a masculine singular noun for a lighter. Italian also uses 'un accendigas' for a kitchen lighter, which is different — context avoids confusion.

Variations

Un accendino usa e getta, per favore.

A disposable lighter, please.

'Usa e getta' = use and throw away (disposable)

Ha accendini ricaricabili?

Do you have refillable lighters?

Asking for a higher-quality refillable lighter

Quanto costa questo accendino?

How much does this lighter cost?

Asking price when choosing between options

Mini Dialogue

— Ha un accendino? — Sì, questo da un euro o questo da tre. — Quello da un euro va bene. — Eccolo.

— Do you have a lighter? — Yes, this one for one euro or this one for three. — The one-euro one is fine. — Here it is.

Cultural Note

Disposable lighters (often BIC or Clipper brand) are always displayed near the till at Italian tabaccherie. Clipper lighters, with their refillable design, are particularly popular in Italy and southern Europe generally.