A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Open" in Italian
Use 'Aperto' to indicate that a shop, restaurant, or service is open and ready for business.
Aperto
ah-PER-tohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
You'll use this when asking if a place is open, or stating that it is. For example, you might ask 'È aperto?' (Is it open?) or tell someone 'Sì, è aperto!' (Yes, it's open!).
Alternatives
- ApertaUse this if the noun it refers to is feminine, like 'la porta' (the door).
- ApertiUse this when referring to multiple things that are open, like 'i negozi' (the shops).
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'aperto' with 'aprire'
'Aprire' is the verb 'to open', while 'aperto' is the past participle meaning 'open'.
Incorrect gender agreement
Remember to match the ending of 'aperto' to the gender of the noun it describes (e.g., 'aperto' for masculine, 'aperta' for feminine).
A small cultural note
In Italy, shop and restaurant opening hours can sometimes be more fluid than in other countries, especially in smaller towns or during certain seasons.
Frequently asked
How to ask if a shop is open in Italian?
You can ask 'Il negozio è aperto?' which translates to 'Is the shop open?'. You can also simply ask 'È aperto?' if the context is clear.
What's the difference between aperto and aperto?
'Aperto' is the masculine form and 'aperta' is the feminine form. You use them based on the gender of the noun they describe.
When do Italians close for lunch?
Many smaller shops and businesses still close for a few hours in the afternoon, typically between 1 PM and 4 PM, especially outside of major tourist areas.
