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PhrasesAt the TobacconistHa del tabacco da pipa?
A2

Ha del tabacco da pipa?

Do you have pipe tobacco?

Pronunciation

PI-pa — both syllables are open and equally short; do not lengthen the first vowel as in English 'piper'.

When to use it

Use this if you smoke a pipe. Pipe tobacco (tabacco da pipa) is less common than cigarettes but most well-stocked tabaccherie carry at least one or two types.

What it means

'Del' is the partitive article (di + il) indicating an unspecified quantity of a mass noun. 'Tabacco' is masculine. This request will often prompt the shopkeeper to ask about the cut (taglio) and flavour (aroma) of the tobacco you prefer.

Variations

Avete Amsterdam Shag?

Do you have Amsterdam Shag?

Naming a specific roll-your-own brand

Cerco un tabacco dolce, non troppo forte.

I'm looking for a mild tobacco, not too strong.

Describing your preference by taste profile

Ha cartine per rollare?

Do you have rolling papers?

'Cartine' = rolling papers; very common request

Mini Dialogue

— Ha del tabacco da pipa? — Sì, abbiamo questo inglese e questo americano. — Qual è il più aromatico? — Questo americano — sa di vaniglia. — Perfetto, lo prendo.

— Do you have pipe tobacco? — Yes, we have this English one and this American one. — Which is the most aromatic? — This American one — it has a vanilla flavour. — Perfect, I'll take it.

Cultural Note

Pipe smoking has a long tradition in Italy, particularly in northern regions. Famous Italian pipe brands include Castello and Savinelli, both internationally respected. Some specialised tabaccherie maintain a wide range of pipe tobaccos and will advise customers on blends.