Groceries & the Market
Use these phrases when navigating Italian markets and supermarkets to ask for specific quantities, find fresh produce, and handle paying.
Key Phrases
Scusi, dove trovo la verdura fresca?
neutralExcuse me, where do I find the fresh vegetables?
Use this in supermarkets to ask staff for directions.
Dove sono le uova?
casualWhere are the eggs?
Direct and simple, good for small local shops.
Può darmi mezzo chilo di mele?
politeCan you give me half a kilo of apples?
A polite way to order at a market stall.
Prendo due chili di patate, grazie.
neutralI'll take two kilos of potatoes, thanks.
The most common and natural way to state what you are buying at a counter.
Prendo solo pochi pomodori.
neutralI'll take just a few tomatoes.
Useful when you want a small amount instead of a full kilo.
Devo pesare la frutta io?
politeDo I have to weigh the fruit myself?
In Italian supermarkets, customers often must weigh produce and print a barcode sticker themselves.
Dove posso pesare questa roba?
casualWhere can I weigh this stuff?
The word 'roba' (stuff) is very common in everyday spoken Italian.
Quanto costa al chilo?
neutralHow much does it cost per kilo?
Essential for open-air markets where prices might not be clearly marked.
Quant'è in tutto?
casualHow much is it in total?
A quick, everyday way to ask for the final amount.
Basta così, grazie.
neutralThat's all, thank you.
The standard phrase to tell the vendor your order is complete.