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PhrasesAt the TobacconistDov'è la tabaccheria più vicina?
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Dov'è la tabaccheria più vicina?

Where is the nearest tobacconist?

Pronunciation

ta-bak-ke-RI-a — stress on the fourth syllable; the double 'c' gives a sharp 'k' sound.

When to use it

Use this when you need to locate a tabaccheria in an unfamiliar town or city. It works when asking a passerby, a hotel receptionist, or a shop assistant.

What it means

Dov'è is a contraction of 'dove + è' (where + is). The adjective 'vicina' agrees with the feminine noun 'tabaccheria'. In Italy the tabaccheria (also called 'tabacchi') is a licensed shop that sells far more than tobacco — stamps, bus tickets, scratch cards, and official forms are all available there.

Variations

C'è una tabaccheria qui vicino?

Is there a tobacconist nearby?

Softer phrasing using c'è (there is)

Sa dove posso trovare una tabaccheria?

Do you know where I can find a tobacconist?

Very polite — uses formal 'Sa' + subjunctive

Scusi, tabacchi?

Excuse me, tobacconist?

Ultra-informal shorthand used when in a hurry

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, dov'è la tabaccheria più vicina? — È in fondo a questa via, sulla destra. — Grazie mille! — Prego.

— Excuse me, where is the nearest tobacconist? — It's at the end of this street, on the right. — Thank you very much! — You're welcome.

Cultural Note

Tabaccherie in Italy display a distinctive black 'T' sign on a white or blue background. They are licensed by the state (Monopoli di Stato) and are among the most visited shops in any Italian town.