Following is a list of shopping-related Italian words and phrases. Shopping dictionary
Shopping terms
Types of stores
For food terms, see dining section
Alimentari: Grocery. Arredamento: Furnishings store. Barbiere: Barber Cartoleria: Stationery store. Caseificio: Cheese store. Elettrodomestici: Electric appliances shop. Enoteca: Larger wine store. Ferramenta: Hardware. Frutta e Verdura: Fruit and vegetable stand. Gioielleria: Jeweler. Libreria: Book store. Latticini: Dairy products. Macelleria: Butcher shop. Mobili: Furniture store. Moda: “Fashion”; clothing store, usually for women’s clothes. Panetteria: Bakery. Parrucchiere: Hairdresser. Riparazione auto/gomme: Auto/ tire repair shop. Salumeria: Delicatessen; a small grocery store usually with a deli case with cheeses and cold meats and salami. Supermercato: A larger store, usually primarily a grocery, but some also include other items like a KMart or Wal-mart. Vini, vini e olii: Wine store, wine and oil (and olives) store. Although less common, some have wine and oil in casks and olives in barrels, and you are expected to bring your own containers.
Berretto: Cap. Bicchiere: Glasses. Borsa: Handbag, purse. Cacciavite: Screwdriver. Calze di nailon: Nylons. Calzini: Socks. Camicetta: Blouse. Camicia: Shirt. Cappello: Hat. Cappotto: Coat. Carta: Paper. Casseruola: Pan. Chiave: key, wrench. Chiave a forcella: crescent wrench. Chiave inglese: “English wrench”; monkey wrench. Chiodi: Nails. Coltello: Knife. Cucchiaio: Spoon. Forchetta: Fork. Giacca: Jacket. Guanti: Gloves. Lampada: Lamp. Maglione: Sweater. Martello: Hammer. Padella: Frying pan. Pantaloni: Pants. Pentola: Pot. Piattino: Saucer. Piatto: Plate. Sacco: Bag. Scaffale: Bookcase, shelves. Scarpe: Shoes Tavola: Table. Tazza: Cup. Vite: Screw.
Italian-owned schools of language and private tutors are also available in the Sigonella area. A pocket dictionary or phrase book is a valuable tool even before your arrival, and a basic familiarity with words and phrases will make your transition into the local community much easier.
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Benvenuti a Sigonella
Generic terms/phrases Many of these ideas are expressed by gestures, which are nearly impossible to reproduce in this book without extensive diagrams; ICR will teach you some, your sponsor may teach you more, and some you may pick up by watching Italian shoppers. Quanto/quanto costa?: How much / how much does it cost Vorrei: I would like Un chilo: One Kilo Due/tre, etc. chili: Two / three, etc. kilos Mezzo chilo: Half kilo Un/Due/tre etto: 100/200/300 grams Troppo!: Too much! Posso provare?: May I try it out/on? Cerco: I am looking for Aperto: Open Chiuso: Closed Quale?: Which? Questo/a: This Quelli/e: Those, These. Poi?: Then? (i.e. what else?) Basta, e’ tutto: No more, that’s all Dite: Speak. A vendor may use this term to ask if you need help. Piu’: More Meno: Less Poco, pochi: A little bit, a few Si: Yes Va bene: OK; It’s all right
The Shopping Experience S
hopping in Italy is a bit different from shopping in the U.S. Permanent stores and the growing numbers of shopping centers are the same, but street markets can be different, and to use them, you need to become familiar with an Italian custom: bartering. Bartering takes Americans some time to get used to. We are used to going to stores and paying whatever price is marked on the item. While that is true of Italian stores, in the markets - the strings of stalls set out in alleys or back streets - you can buy almost anything for any price you and the seller can agree upon. Food items, fruit and vegetable prices are not haggled over very much. The buying and selling of items becomes much more involved, intricate and exciting. You and the vendor have to agree on a price. If you pay the price marked or the one the vendor first mentions, he or she will gladly take your money, but probably would have settled for less. One warning, though, if you offer a certain price and after haggling, the seller agrees to it, you are not legally bound, but