What do 'Open' and 'Closed' mean?
'Aperto' — a-PER-to. 'Chiuso' — KYU-zo. 'Ch' before 'i' or 'e' is always hard in Italian, like 'k'.
Know these two words for reading shop, museum, and restaurant signs. They are among the most important signs you will encounter when visiting Italy.
'Aperto' and 'chiuso' are the past participles of 'aprire' (to open) and 'chiudere' (to close), used as adjectives. Signs often add hours: 'Aperto dalle 9 alle 13' (Open from 9 to 1). 'Orario di apertura' means opening hours — another key phrase.
Siete aperti?
Are you open?
Direct question to a person at a shop or restaurant.
A che ora chiudete?
What time do you close?
Ask the closing time.
Quando riaprite?
When do you reopen?
Ask after a closure — afternoon break or holiday.
The Italian midday closure ('pausa pranzo' or 'orario continuato' when there is none) is a cultural institution. Most small shops, banks, and local offices close from 1pm to 3:30–4pm. Tourist sites and supermarkets often stay open. Planning around this prevents frustration.