A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Is this on sale" in Italian
Ask if an item is on sale in Italian shops with this simple, direct phrase.
È in saldo?
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Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you see something you like in a shop and want to know if it's part of a promotion. It's a good way to inquire about discounts before asking the price.
Alternatives
- C'è uno sconto?Asks if there's a discount in general, not specifically on that item.
- È scontato?Means 'is it discounted?', a very close synonym.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'saldo' with 'sale'
In Italian, 'saldo' means sale/discount, not the event of selling.
Pronouncing 'saldo' like English 'saldo'
Make sure to pronounce the 'a' as in 'father' and the 'o' as in 'go'.
A small cultural note
Sales ('saldi') in Italy are often seasonal and heavily advertised, especially for clothing. Asking 'è in saldo?' outside of these periods might get a confused look.
Frequently asked
how to ask if something is on sale in italian
The most common way is to ask 'È in saldo?'. This directly translates to 'Is it on sale?'.
is 'è in saldo' formal or informal
It's a neutral phrase suitable for most shopping situations. You can use it with shopkeepers you don't know well.
what's the difference between saldo and sconto
'Saldo' refers to a sale or discount, often a general reduction in price. 'Sconto' is a discount, which can be more specific or a coupon.
