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PhrasesAt the TobacconistHa degli spiccioli?
A2

Ha degli spiccioli?

Do you have any small change?

Pronunciation

SPIC-cio-li — three syllables; the double 'c' before 'i' is a 'ch' sound; stress on the first syllable.

When to use it

Use this when you specifically need coins or small notes, perhaps because you have a parking meter to feed or need to tip. Different from asking for change (resto) — here you're asking for coins regardless of whether you're buying anything.

What it means

'Degli spiccioli' uses the partitive (di + gli) for masculine plural. 'Spiccioli' specifically means small coins. The singular 'spicciolo' exists but is rarely used alone — you almost always say 'spiccioli'. Asking a tobacconist for change, even without buying anything, is culturally acceptable in Italy.

Variations

Mi può cambiare un euro in monetine?

Can you change one euro into coins?

Very specific request for coins from a euro note

Ho bisogno di monete per il parchimetro.

I need coins for the parking meter.

Explaining the reason makes the request more relatable

Le dispiace se prendo il resto in monete?

Do you mind if I take the change in coins?

Asking to receive change specifically in coins

Mini Dialogue

— Ha degli spiccioli? — Dipende. Quanti ne vuole? — Ho bisogno di cinque euro in monete — per il parchimetro. — Sì, posso farglielo. Mi dà una banconota da cinque?

— Do you have any small change? — It depends. How much do you need? — I need five euros in coins — for the parking meter. — Yes, I can do that. Can you give me a five-euro note?

Cultural Note

Coins are prized in Italy for parking meters, which are coin-operated in most cities. The chronic shortage of small change is a running theme in Italian daily life. Shopkeepers are often reluctant to give change without a purchase, but most tabaccherie will oblige as part of their community service role.