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PhrasesAt the TobacconistAvete acqua minerale?
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Avete acqua minerale?

Do you have mineral water?

Pronunciation

mi-ne-RA-le — four syllables; stress on the third. The 'r' is lightly rolled.

When to use it

Use this in summer or after buying cigarettes when you're thirsty. Tabaccherie in tourist areas frequently sell cold drinks from a fridge.

What it means

'Acqua minerale' is the standard Italian term for bottled water. You might add 'naturale' (still) or 'frizzante' (sparkling) to specify. While not a traditional tabaccheria product, cold drinks are increasingly common in these shops, especially in urban and tourist settings.

Variations

Avete acqua frizzante?

Do you have sparkling water?

'Frizzante' = sparkling/fizzy

Ha qualcosa da bere fresco?

Do you have anything cold to drink?

General question for cold beverages

Avete le bibite in frigorifero?

Do you have cold drinks in the fridge?

'Bibite' = soft drinks; 'frigorifero' = refrigerator

Mini Dialogue

— Avete acqua minerale? — Sì, naturale o frizzante? — Naturale, grazie. Grande o piccola? — Piccola. — Eccola, un euro.

— Do you have mineral water? — Yes, still or sparkling? — Still, please. Large or small? — Small. — Here it is, one euro.

Cultural Note

Italy is one of the world's top consumers of bottled mineral water. Italians typically specify naturale (still) or frizzante (sparkling) — the latter being far more popular than in most English-speaking countries. Brands like San Pellegrino (sparkling) and Levissima or Ferrarelle (still) are widely recognised.