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PhrasesAt the TobacconistUn pacchetto di sigarette, per favore.
A1

Un pacchetto di sigarette, per favore.

A packet of cigarettes, please.

Pronunciation

pac-CHET-to — the double 't' requires a brief pause before release; do not rush the consonant cluster.

When to use it

Use this as your opening request when buying cigarettes. You may follow it immediately with the brand name.

What it means

'Un pacchetto' uses the masculine indefinite article 'un' (no apostrophe before a consonant). 'Per favore' is the standard polite addition. In Italy you must be 18 to purchase tobacco; the vendor may ask for ID (documento).

Variations

Un pacchetto di Marlboro, per favore.

A packet of Marlboro, please.

Simply add the brand name after 'di'

Una stecca di sigarette, per favore.

A carton of cigarettes, please.

'Stecca' = carton (10 packets); feminine noun

Mi dà un pacchetto di MS?

Can you give me a packet of MS?

MS (Monopolio di Stato) is a classic budget Italian brand

Mini Dialogue

— Buongiorno. Un pacchetto di Marlboro Rosse, per favore. — Filtro o senza? — Con filtro. — Ecco a lei. Sono sei euro e venti. — Grazie.

— Good morning. A packet of Marlboro Reds, please. — Filter or without? — With filter. — Here you go. That's six euros twenty. — Thank you.

Cultural Note

Cigarette prices in Italy are government-controlled. All packs must display health warnings covering at least 65% of the surface, as per EU law. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces.