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PhrasesAt the TobacconistSa se c'è una tabaccheria aperta a quest'ora?
B1formal

Sa se c'è una tabaccheria aperta a quest'ora?

Do you know if there is a tobacconist open at this hour?

Pronunciation

quest'o-ra — the apostrophe marks an elision; 'quest'ora' is spoken as one smooth word, not two separate ones.

When to use it

Use this when the tabaccheria you approached is closed and you ask a passerby or a nearby shopkeeper. Very useful late at night or during Sunday afternoons.

What it means

'Sa se' (do you know if) introduces an indirect question. 'C'è' (there is) + indefinite 'una tabaccheria'. 'A quest'ora' (at this hour) conveys the challenge — it's an unusual time to be looking. In Italy, some tabaccherie keep extended hours, especially near train stations.

Variations

Dov'è la tabaccheria di turno?

Where is the duty tobacconist?

In Italy, like pharmacies, a rotating duty system ensures at least one tobacconist is open late

C'è un tabaccaio aperto di notte?

Is there a tobacconist open at night?

Late-night openings are rare except near stations and airports

A che ora riapre la tabaccheria?

What time does the tobacconist reopen?

Asking when the next opening time is — for planning a return visit

Mini Dialogue

— Sa se c'è una tabaccheria aperta a quest'ora? — È domenica pomeriggio... Provi quella in Piazza Garibaldi — di solito fanno orario continuato anche la domenica. — Grazie, ci vado. — In bocca al lupo!

— Do you know if there is a tobacconist open at this hour? — It's Sunday afternoon... Try the one in Piazza Garibaldi — they usually have continuous hours even on Sundays. — Thank you, I'll go there. — Good luck!

Cultural Note

Unlike pharmacies (farmacie), tobacconists in Italy do not have a formal regulated duty rota. However, in practice, shops near railway stations, in airports, and in major tourist areas keep extended hours. In some regions (particularly southern Italy), Sunday openings are more common than in the north.