A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "That's too expensive" in Italian
Politely tell a shopkeeper or vendor that an item's price is beyond your budget in Italy.
È troppo caro.
eh TROH-poh KAH-rohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you see a price tag or are told the cost of something and want to indicate it's more than you want to spend. It's a common phrase in markets, clothing stores, or when ordering food.
Alternatives
- Costa troppo.Slightly more direct, focusing on the cost itself.
- Mi sembra un po' caro.Softer and more personal, implying your opinion of the price.
Ways to get it wrong
Caro vs. Car
Remember 'caro' means expensive, not a vehicle. The word for car is 'macchina' or 'auto'.
Double 'r' sound
Pronounce the double 'r' in 'troppo' with a rolled 'r' sound to distinguish it from a single 'r'.
A small cultural note
Italians often haggle, especially in markets. You might say this phrase and then try to negotiate a lower price.
Frequently asked
How to say too expensive in Italian?
The most common way is 'È troppo caro.' This directly translates to 'It is too expensive.'
Is 'È troppo caro' polite?
Yes, 'È troppo caro' is a standard and polite way to express that something is too expensive in a shopping context.
What if I want to bargain in Italian?
After saying 'È troppo caro,' you could follow up with 'Può farmi uno sconto?' which means 'Can you give me a discount?'
