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PhrasesPaying and ReceiptsQuando chiude la cassa?
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Quando chiude la cassa?

When does the till close?

Pronunciation

'Cassa' — CAS-sa. Double 's'.

When to use it

Ask near closing time to ensure you can complete your purchase. Italian shops have specific till-closing procedures and may stop accepting payments before the physical door closes.

What it means

'Chiude la cassa' — 'the till closes'. 'Cassa' means till or cash register (also means crate and coffin in other contexts). In Italian shops, 'fare la cassa' means to close the till and count the day's takings. The question 'quando si chiude?' is the casual equivalent.

Variations

A che ora chiudete?

What time do you close?

About the shop, not just the till.

Riesco ancora a pagare?

Can I still pay?

Urgent — you are rushing.

Fate ancora un'ultima vendita?

Can you do one last sale?

Asking a favour — very polite.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Scusi, quando chiude la cassa? Commessa: Chiudiamo tra cinque minuti. Cliente: Riesco ad arrivare — mi aspetti un attimo? Commessa: Certo, si affretti.

Customer: Excuse me, when does the till close? Assistant: We close in five minutes. Customer: I'll make it — can you wait a moment? Assistant: Of course, hurry.

Cultural Note

Italian shops typically close for lunch ('pausa pranzo') from about 13:00 to 16:00 in smaller cities and the south, though many northern and large-city shops now stay open continuously ('orario continuato'). Evening closing is usually 19:00 or 20:00.