Phrases › Bargaining at the Market › Non è autentico.

Non è autentico.

It's not authentic.

Pronunciation

'Autentico' — 'aw-TEN-ti-ko'. Four syllables, stress on second. Don't say 'au-ten-TI-co'.

When to use it

When offered a fake or replica at inflated prices. Recognising quality at Italian markets is a survival skill — be politely firm when declining fakes.

What it means

'Autentico' = authentic/genuine. 'Non è autentico' = it's not authentic. In Italian markets, you may encounter imitation designer goods. The legal phrase for these is 'contraffatto' (counterfeit).

Variations

È una copia?

Is it a copy/replica?

'Copia' = copy — asking directly without accusation

È originale?

Is it original/authentic?

Asking for confirmation of authenticity

Ha il certificato di autenticità?

Does it have a certificate of authenticity?

For antiques or art — legitimate dealers always have this

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Questo orologio Rolex quanto costa? Venditore: Solo duecento euro! Cliente: Non è autentico — un Rolex vero non costa duecento euro. Venditore: È un'imitazione di qualità — come l'originale ma accessibile. Cliente: No grazie, non mi interessa.

Customer: How much is this Rolex watch? Vendor: Only two hundred euros! Customer: It's not authentic — a real Rolex doesn't cost two hundred euros. Vendor: It's a quality imitation — like the original but accessible. Customer: No thank you, I'm not interested.

Cultural Note

Buying counterfeit goods ('merce contraffatta') in Italy is illegal — both for sellers and buyers. Italian law can fine buyers up to €10,000 for purchasing known counterfeits. Market inspectors ('vigili') patrol tourist areas specifically for this.

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