contanti o carta
/konˈtan.ti ˈɔ ˈkar.ta/word by word
The English phrase "cash or card" is translated into Italian as contanti o carta.
This phrase is a question used by a seller to determine how a customer intends to pay for a purchase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of contanti, which literally means "cash" (a plural noun) and carta, which literally means "card" or "paper".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /konˈtan.ti ˈɔ ˈkar.ta/. The word has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
When a seller asks this, a natural way to respond is to state your preference followed by grazie (thanks), such as Contanti, grazie. Alternatively, you can respond using the preposition con (with) followed by your choice, for example: Con carta.
Did you know?
- The word contanti comes from the verb contare, meaning 'to count'. It literally refers to money that can be counted by hand on the spot.
- While carta refers to a plastic card here, it is also the general word for 'paper'. This is why a 'menu' in a restaurant is called carta, as it is literally a piece of paper.
- In Italy, small payments like a single coffee are still frequently paid with contanti. Using carta for an amount under one euro can sometimes be seen as an inconvenience to the merchant.
Examples in context
- Contanti o carta?Cash or card?This sentence is useful for asking the question "Cash or card?" using contanti o carta.Tatoeba #13796352 by carlosalberto, translation #13796285 by frpzzd
- Vorrei sapere se il pagamento è in contanti o con carta.I would like to know if the payment is by cash or with a card.
- Posso pagare con contanti o carta?Can I pay with cash or card?
- Preferisce contanti o carta?Do you prefer cash or card?
Example conversation
Francesco is buying a coffee at a bar from Martina.
- MartinaBuongiorno, cosa vi porto?Good morning, what can I get you?
- FrancescoUn caffè, per favore.A coffee, please.
- MartinaContanti o carta?Cash or card?
- FrancescoPago con la carta.I will pay with my card.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (contanti, o, carta) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
