40 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Quanto costa questo?
How much does this cost?
The first question at any market stall. Direct and completely natural. Always ask the price before picking anything up — this avoids obligation.
Mi fa lo sconto?
Can you give me a discount?
The classic Italian market bargaining phrase. Said with a smile — not aggressive, just conversational. Works at virtually every non-chain market stall.
Me lo fa a venti?
Will you do it for twenty (euros)?
Making a concrete counter-offer. The most effective bargaining technique — name your price clearly. Works best when your offer is 20-30% below the asking price.
È troppo caro.
It's too expensive.
Expressing that the price is too high — the first step in any negotiation. Say it with a friendly tone, not an accusatory one. It's an invitation to negotiate, not an insult.
Posso vederlo da vicino?
Can I have a closer look?
Before deciding whether to negotiate. Examining items carefully at Italian markets is normal — vendors who refuse close inspection are to be avoided.
Non è autentico.
It's not authentic.
When offered a fake or replica at inflated prices. Recognising quality at Italian markets is a survival skill — be politely firm when declining fakes.
Se ne prendo due, mi fa un prezzo speciale?
If I take two, will you give me a special price?
A classic multi-buy bargaining tactic. Works very well — Italian vendors prefer selling two items at a small discount rather than one at full price.
Qual è il suo ultimo prezzo?
What is your final price?
When you want to cut to the final offer and stop the back-and-forth. Signals you're serious and ready to buy at the right price.
Questo è rotto.
This is broken.
When you find a defect — a legitimate reason to push the price down, or to reject the item entirely. Always check items carefully before agreeing a price.
È di buona qualità?
Is it of good quality?
Before buying anything at a market. Asking about quality triggers the vendor's sales pitch — useful for understanding what they claim about the product.
Dove è fatto?
Where is it made?
Checking provenance — critical at Italian markets where products range from genuine local crafts to mass-produced imports. The answer tells you a lot.
Ci torno dopo.
I'll come back later.
When you want to keep looking before committing. A classic Italian exit strategy that keeps options open. Vendors will often make a better offer to stop you leaving.
È genuino?
Is it genuine?
Asking for authenticity confirmation — especially for food products at food markets or antiques at flea markets. Sincere vendors will confirm; dishonest ones will over-assure.
Accetta carte?
Do you accept cards?
Before agreeing a price, check if they take cards. Many Italian market vendors are cash-only. This affects your bargaining flexibility — cash is always king at markets.
Me lo incarta?
Can you wrap it for me?
After agreeing a price, asking for gift wrapping or protective packaging. Italian market vendors often have newspaper, tissue paper or simple bags.
Da dove viene questa merce?
Where does this merchandise come from?
At markets where goods might be imported, second-hand or of uncertain origin. Important for antiques, textiles and food products.
Si può trattare?
Is there room to negotiate?
An elegant way to open negotiation without naming a price. The impersonal 'si può' signals the question is general, not a personal challenge to the vendor.
Non mi serve, grazie.
I don't need it, thank you.
Politely declining a vendor's offer when not interested. Much more graceful than 'no' alone. Italian vendors accept it immediately and don't push further.
Ha qualcosa di simile ma più bello?
Do you have something similar but nicer?
When a vendor shows you something close to what you want but not quite right. Opens a conversation that might lead to exactly what you're after.
Ha qualcosa fatto a mano?
Do you have anything handmade?
When looking for quality artisanal goods at an Italian market. 'Fatto a mano' commands a premium — knowing what you're getting justifies the price.
Questo è originale o una copia?
Is this original or a copy?
At antique markets when examining art, prints, ceramics or signed objects. A direct question that honest vendors appreciate and dishonest ones struggle to answer convincingly.
Posso provarlo?
Can I try it on?
At markets selling clothing, accessories or jewellery. Always try before buying — market purchases are usually final.
A che ora chiudete?
What time do you close?
When you want to return or when the market seems to be winding down. Italian markets have precise timetables — arriving too late means vendors are packing up.
Posso avere la ricevuta?
Can I have a receipt?
After making a purchase at an Italian market. Market vendors are required by law to issue receipts. Asking also signals you're an informed buyer who knows the rules.
Questo lo prendo come regalo.
I'm taking this as a gift.
Explaining the purchase is a gift — this sometimes unlocks better wrapping and might even prompt a small discount. Italian vendors love knowing something is a gift.
Avete qualcosa di tipico di questa zona?
Do you have anything typical of this area?
At markets in regions you're visiting. Asking for genuinely typical products leads to authentic purchases rather than generic tourist souvenirs.
Posso assaggiare?
Can I taste it?
At food markets before buying — especially for cheese, cured meats, olive oil, honey or wine. Italian market vendors expect and welcome this request.
Pago in contanti — le conviene?
I'm paying in cash — does that work for you?
Leveraging cash payment for a better deal. Framing it as convenient for the vendor ('le conviene') makes the discount request feel natural rather than extractive.
Questo è di seconda mano?
Is this second-hand?
At flea markets ('mercatini delle pulci') or antique markets when you're not sure if something is new or used. The distinction affects both price expectations and negotiating power.
Ha un sacchetto?
Do you have a bag?
After buying, asking for packaging. Market vendors use small paper bags ('sacchettini di carta'), plastic bags or newspaper wrapping depending on the product.
Il mercato è ogni settimana?
Is the market every week?
Asking about the market schedule — important for planning return visits or recommending to others. Italian markets have very precise weekly schedules.
Questo prodotto è stagionale?
Is this product seasonal?
At food markets, asking if a product is only available in certain seasons. Italian food culture is intensely seasonal — seasonal products are always fresher and cheaper.
Mi può dare il suo biglietto da visita?
Can you give me your business card?
When you find a great vendor or artisan and want to return, order more, or recommend them. Italian artisans increasingly have professional cards and even websites.
Questo porta fortuna?
Does this bring good luck?
At markets selling charms, amulets, coral and traditional Italian lucky objects. Italy has a rich tradition of luck objects — asking opens a fascinating cultural conversation.
Lo spedisce?
Can you ship it?
When you find something wonderful but can't carry it home — large ceramics, furniture, art. Many Italian artisans and market vendors can arrange shipping.
Quando c'è il prossimo mercato dell'antiquariato?
When is the next antique market?
Planning ahead for Italy's famous antique markets. The best antique markets in Italy are monthly events that serious collectors mark in their calendars.
Posso usare un buono sconto?
Can I use a discount voucher?
At organised markets or events that issue vouchers. Tourism boards, local authorities and event organisers sometimes issue discount booklets for markets.
Questo è fatto con materiali naturali?
Is this made with natural materials?
At markets selling soaps, cosmetics, textiles or craft items where natural vs synthetic matters. Italian artisans increasingly emphasise natural materials as a quality differentiator.
Si abbassa il prezzo verso la fine del mercato?
Does the price go down towards the end of the market?
A strategic insider question. As Italian markets wind down, food vendors especially discount heavily rather than pack unsold perishables back.
È possibile ordinare qualcosa su misura?
Is it possible to order something made to measure?
When an artisan has the skill you're looking for but not exactly the item you want. Custom orders ('ordinazioni su misura') are a natural extension of market relationships.