Phrases › Bargaining at the Market › Me lo incarta?

Me lo incarta?

Can you wrap it for me?

Pronunciation

'Incarta' — 'in-KAR-ta'. Three syllables, stress on second. Hard 'c' before 'a'.

When to use it

After agreeing a price, asking for gift wrapping or protective packaging. Italian market vendors often have newspaper, tissue paper or simple bags.

What it means

'Incartare' = to wrap in paper (from 'carta' = paper). 'Me lo incarta?' = will you wrap it for me? Simple and direct. 'Pacchetto regalo' = gift package if you want something more elaborate.

Variations

Ha una busta?

Do you have a bag?

Asking for a simple carrier bag for the purchase

Può avvolgerlo nella carta?

Can you wrap it in paper?

'Avvolgere' = to wrap — more generic than 'incartare'

È un regalo — può farlo sembrare un pacco?

It's a gift — can you make it look like a parcel?

Asking for gift presentation at a market stall

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Ho preso la statuetta. Me la incarta? È un regalo. Venditore: Certo — carta velina e nastrino. Vuole che scriva anche un bigliettino? Cliente: Sì, grazie mille. Venditore: Che vuole che scriva?

Customer: I've taken the figurine. Can you wrap it for me? It's a gift. Vendor: Of course — tissue paper and ribbon. Would you like me to write a little card too? Customer: Yes, thank you very much. Vendor: What would you like me to write?

Cultural Note

Italian market vendors in artisan and antique markets often have remarkably sophisticated packaging for delicate items. A Deruta ceramic plate, for instance, will be wrapped in multiple layers of newspaper, bubble wrap and a custom box — even from a small market stall.

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Accetta carte?

Da dove viene questa merce?

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