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PhrasesAt the TobacconistCerco un sigaro da regalare — ha qualcosa di buono?
B1

Cerco un sigaro da regalare — ha qualcosa di buono?

I'm looking for a cigar to give as a gift — do you have anything good?

Pronunciation

re-ga-LA-re — four syllables; stress on the third. The 'r' is rolled in Italian — try a single tap of the tongue against the ridge behind the teeth.

When to use it

Use this when buying a cigar as a gift, typically for a celebration such as a birth, graduation, or promotion. The Italian custom of giving cigars for such occasions is still alive.

What it means

'Cerco' (I'm looking for) + infinitive phrase 'da regalare' (to give as a gift). 'Ha qualcosa di buono?' uses the partitive 'di' after 'qualcosa' — this is a fixed construction in Italian. The shopkeeper will typically ask about budget and the recipient's preferences.

Variations

È nato un bambino — vorrei festeggiare con un sigaro.

A baby has been born — I'd like to celebrate with a cigar.

Explaining the occasion helps the shopkeeper recommend appropriately

Qual è il sigaro più pregiato che avete?

What is the most premium cigar you have?

'Pregiato' = prized, high-quality — signals you want the best

Avete una scatola di sigari?

Do you have a box of cigars?

Buying a box as a more substantial gift

Mini Dialogue

— Cerco un sigaro da regalare — ha qualcosa di buono? — Per quale occasione? — È nato il mio primo nipote! — Congratulazioni! Le consiglio questo Montecristo N.4 — è un classico, non troppo forte. — Perfetto. Lo prendo.

— I'm looking for a cigar to give as a gift — do you have anything good? — For what occasion? — My first grandchild has been born! — Congratulations! I recommend this Montecristo No.4 — it's a classic, not too strong. — Perfect. I'll take it.

Cultural Note

In Italy, offering cigars to celebrate a birth, a promotion, or a graduation remains a widespread tradition, especially in southern regions. The father or grandfather traditionally distributes cigars to friends and colleagues on the occasion of a birth.