Italian · Real conversations

Markets and groceries: useful Italian phrases

Buy a quantity and ask about a product.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Apple
la mela
Apple
Bread
il pane
Bread
Potato
la patata
Potato
How much does it cost?
Quanto costa?
How much does it cost?

Make the conversation more specific

Useful Italian expressions for markets and groceries
What you want to say	Italian
Apple	la mela Apple
Bread	il pane Bread
Potato	la patata Potato
How much does it cost?	Quanto costa? How much does it cost?
Half a kilo of ..., please.	Mezzo chilo di …, per favore. Show English translation Half a kilo of …, please.
Is this ripe?	È maturo? Show English translation Is this ripe?
When was this made?	Quando è stato fatto? Show English translation When was this made?
Do you have anything locally grown?	Avete qualcosa coltivato qui in zona? Show English translation Do you have anything locally grown?
Could you put these in separate bags?	Potrebbe metterli in sacchetti separati? Show English translation Could you put these in separate bags?

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Buongiorno. Che cosa desidera?
Good morning. What would you like?
You
Mezzo chilo di pomodori, per favore.
Half a kilo of tomatoes, please.
Partner
Ecco a lei. Oggi questo melone è molto richiesto.
Here you are. This melon is popular today.
You
È maturo?
Is this ripe?

Markets and groceries in other languages

A note on speaking Italian

Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.

Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.