A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Store" in Italian
Italian for 'store' or 'shop,' used for most retail establishments.
negozio
neh-GOH-tzyohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use 'negozio' when referring to a shop selling goods, like a clothing store, a bookshop, or a small grocery store. It's the general term for a place where you buy things.
Alternatives
- bottegaBetter for smaller, artisanal shops or workshops.
- supermercatoUse this specifically for a supermarket.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'negozio' with 'ufficio'
'Ufficio' means 'office,' not a place to buy things.
Pronouncing 'negozio' with a hard 'g'
The 'g' in 'negozio' is soft, like the 'j' in 'judge'.
A small cultural note
Italy has many small, specialized 'negozi' that are a core part of neighborhood life, often run by families for generations.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between negozio and bottega?
'Negozio' is the general term for any shop. 'Bottega' usually refers to a smaller, often artisanal shop, sometimes with a workshop attached.
How do I say 'department store' in Italian?
You can use 'grande magazzino' for a department store. 'Negozio' is too small a word for that.
Is 'negozio' used for online stores?
While technically correct, Italians often use the English term 'online store' or 'e-commerce' for digital shops.
What are stores called in Italy?
The most common word for 'store' in Italian is 'negozio'. You might also hear 'bottega' for a smaller, artisan shop.
What is a mercato?
A 'mercato' is a market, which can be an open-air space or a covered building where vendors sell goods, often including food.
How do you say 'online store' in Italian?
An 'online store' in Italian is typically called 'negozio online' or 'e-commerce'.
How do you say 'grocery store' in Italian?
A 'grocery store' in Italian is called 'supermercato' for a larger supermarket or 'alimentari' for a smaller neighborhood grocery shop.
