Phrases › Returning Items › L'ho comprato per errore.

L'ho comprato per errore.

I bought it by mistake.

Pronunciation

'Errore' — er-RO-re. Double 'r' — trill slightly.

When to use it

A simple, honest explanation when you bought the wrong thing. This covers duplicate purchases, pressing the wrong button online, or picking up the wrong item in a rush.

What it means

'L'ho comprato' — the 'L'' is the direct object pronoun 'lo' elided before 'ho'. 'Per errore' means by mistake or in error. It is a fixed adverbial phrase. For feminine items: 'L'ho comprata per errore'.

Variations

Ho preso quello sbagliato.

I took the wrong one.

Casual version.

Me ne serviva uno diverso.

I needed a different one.

Explains the underlying need.

Ho cliccato per sbaglio.

I clicked by mistake.

For online purchases.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: L'ho comprato per errore — avevo bisogno di un'altra marca. Commessa: Nessun problema. Lo ha ancora nella confezione? Cliente: Sì, non l'ho aperto. Commessa: Bene, le faccio il cambio.

Customer: I bought it by mistake — I needed a different brand. Assistant: No problem. Do you still have it in the packaging? Customer: Yes, I haven't opened it. Assistant: Good, I'll do the exchange for you.

Cultural Note

Admitting a mistake honestly tends to work well in Italian shops. Staff appreciate directness and are more willing to help when the reason is clear and the item is in perfect condition.

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