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PhrasesPaying and ReceiptsQuanto viene al chilo?
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Quanto viene al chilo?

How much is it per kilogram?

Pronunciation

'Chilo' — KI-lo. Two syllables. Short for 'chilogrammo'.

When to use it

Essential at food markets, cheese counters, deli counters, and fresh fish and meat shops where products are sold by weight. Use this before buying so you know what to expect to pay.

What it means

'Viene' from 'venire' — colloquially used for prices in Italian: 'quanto viene?' = 'how much is it?'. 'Al chilo' = per kilogram. You may also hear 'al etto' (per 100 grams — very common for deli products).

Variations

Quanto viene all'etto?

How much is it per 100 grams?

'Etto' (100g) is commonly used for deli meats and cheese.

Me ne dà due etti.

Give me two hundred grams.

A common deli counter request.

Quanto pesa in totale?

How much does it weigh in total?

Checks total weight of a portion.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Quanto viene al chilo questo formaggio? Salumaio: Ventidue euro al chilo. Cliente: Me ne dà due etti? Salumaio: Certo — ecco, duecento grammi esatti.

Customer: How much is this cheese per kilogram? Deli server: Twenty-two euros per kilo. Customer: Give me two hundred grams? Deli server: Of course — here you are, exactly two hundred grams.

Cultural Note

Italian food markets and deli counters ('salumerie', 'gastronomia') sell by weight. Knowing how to ask for 'un etto' (100g), 'mezzo chilo' (500g), or 'un chilo' (1kg) is fundamental. Prices are legally required to be displayed per kilo ('prezzo al kg') at all food counters.