Signification
Asking about the price of an item.
Contexte culturel
Prices in Italy always include VAT (IVA), so the price you are told is the final price you pay. In street markets, prices are often negotiable if you buy in bulk. Don't be afraid to ask for a 'sconticino' (little discount). There is often a different price for 'al banco' (at the bar) versus 'al tavolo' (at the table). Always check the 'listino prezzi' on the wall. In high-end fashion districts like Via Montenapoleone in Milan, prices are often not displayed in the window to maintain an air of exclusivity.
Point and Ask
If you forget the word for the object, just point and say 'Quanto costa questo?'. It's the ultimate survival hack.
Plural Trap
Don't forget to say 'costano' if you're holding a pair of shoes or multiple items!
Signification
Asking about the price of an item.
Point and Ask
If you forget the word for the object, just point and say 'Quanto costa questo?'. It's the ultimate survival hack.
Plural Trap
Don't forget to say 'costano' if you're holding a pair of shoes or multiple items!
The 'Scusi' Buffer
Always start with 'Scusi' (Excuse me) to sound polite and get the vendor's attention.
Check the Receipt
In Italy, vendors are legally required to give you a 'scontrino' (receipt). Always take it!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct plural form of the phrase.
You are buying three apples. What do you ask?
Since 'apples' (mele) are plural, you must use the plural verb 'costano' and plural pronoun 'questi' (or 'queste').
Fill in the missing word to ask the price of a feminine object (e.g., a pizza).
Quanto costa _______?
Feminine singular objects require 'questa'.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Learner: Scusi, quanto costa questo pane? Vendor: ________ due euro.
'Pane' is singular, so the verb must be 'costa'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase is best for a quick, informal price check at a bar?
'Quanto viene?' is very common and natural in informal settings like bars.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Questo vs Quello
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou are buying three apples. What do you ask?
Since 'apples' (mele) are plural, you must use the plural verb 'costano' and plural pronoun 'questi' (or 'queste').
Quanto costa _______?
Feminine singular objects require 'questa'.
Learner: Scusi, quanto costa questo pane? Vendor: ________ due euro.
'Pane' is singular, so the verb must be 'costa'.
Which phrase is best for a quick, informal price check at a bar?
'Quanto viene?' is very common and natural in informal settings like bars.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is neutral and polite. Adding 'Scusi' at the beginning and 'per favore' at the end makes it even better.
Yes, you can point to a service on a menu and ask 'Quanto costa questo?'.
'Questo' is for things near you; 'Quello' is for things further away.
Say 'Quanto costa in tutto?' or 'Quant'è il totale?'.
No, 'costa' is for the object (it costs), so it stays the same regardless of who you are.
It's not better, just more common in casual conversation. Both are great to know.
Yes, if it's obvious what you are talking about, 'Quanto costa?' is perfect.
After asking the price, you can say 'È possibile avere uno sconto?'.
Because the object they are pointing to is feminine (like 'la maglietta').
Yes, but in formal business, 'Qual è il costo?' or 'A quanto ammonta?' is more common.
Expressions liées
Quanto viene?
synonymHow much does it come to?
Qual è il prezzo?
similarWhat is the price?
È troppo caro
builds onIt's too expensive
Lo prendo
builds onI'll take it
Quanto costano?
specialized formHow much do they cost?
