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 K-Mart 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.
guage. Once you break down the language barrier, you will find a whole new world opens up, ready for your exploration. You don’t need to become a seasoned linguist to be understood. No matter how fractured your Italian, the host will be patient and appreciative of your attempts.
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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
You will be more successful in any situation — shopping, traveling, meeting neighbors — if you try to speak Italian. Although you will usually find someone who speaks English in the larger city shops, those who insist on always seeking out someone who speaks English not only will irritate and alienate, but will constantly feel insecure and frustrated. Remember, too, that Italy was once a collection of city-states under separate rule, and dialects abound, often sounding very different than the Italian you may learn in class. Although local expressions and pronunciations may be puzzling, Italian is the national language, and if you learn it, you will be understood. Language courses are available to those assigned to Sigonella, and tuition assistance may be available. Check in with the Navy College Office on arrival, and the staff can help you choose a course to fit your needs. 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.