Grocery shopping — Asking for the price

Scusi

Excuse me

Use 'scusi' for formal situations, like when addressing a shopkeeper.

Politeness is key in Italian culture; use this to get someone's attention respectfully.

Quanto

How much

Combine with 'costa' to ask the price: 'Quanto costa?'

Prices are often displayed, but asking is common and polite.

Questo

This

Use 'questo' for masculine singular nouns.

Pointing to items while saying 'questo' helps clarify what you are referring to.

Pane

Bread

Remember, 'pane' is masculine in Italian.

Bread is a staple in Italian meals, often freshly baked daily.

Questo pane

This bread

Use it to specify which bread you're asking about.

Italians love their bread and often debate the best type in their region.

Costa

Costs

To inquire about the price, accompany 'quanto'. Example: 'Quanto costa?'

Understand the cost before buying, as haggling is less common in grocery stores.

Due euro

Two euros

Unlike English, the noun follows the numeral in Italian.

Euro coins are used widely; small amounts like 'due euro' are often transacted in coins.

Al

Per

Used in the context of pricing, like 'al chilo'.

Pricing by weight is common, especially in markets.

Chilo

Kilo