andare a fare la spesa
/anˈda.re a ˈfa.re la ˈspe.za/word by word
To go grocery shopping in Italian is andare a fare la spesa.
This phrase is used specifically when you are visiting a store to buy food and other household supplies.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to to go to do the shopping or to go to do the expense.
Which one should you use?
Use andare a fare la spesa specifically for groceries. If you are shopping for other things like clothes or electronics, you should use fare shopping or fare acquisti instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this expression, the verb andare (to go) must be followed by the preposition a before the infinitive fare (to do).
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈda.re a ˈfa.re la ˈspe.za/. The word has 7 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word spesa comes from the Latin expendere, which means 'to weigh out' or 'to pay'. This connects the act of grocery shopping to the ancient practice of weighing bulk goods on a scale.
- The word spesa shares a common ancestor with the English word 'expense'. Both trace their roots back to the Latin verb expendere.
- Depending on the region, some Italians might say fare la spesa without the andare a. This emphasizes the act of shopping itself rather than the movement to the store.
Examples in context
- Sono andato/andata a fare la spesa.I went grocery shopping.
- Vado sempre al supermercato per fare la spesa.I always go to the supermarket to go grocery shopping.
- Ho bisogno di fare la spesa oggi.I need to go grocery shopping today.
- Oggi vado a fare la spesa al mercato.Today, I'm going grocery shopping at the market.
- Oggi vado a fare la spesa al negozio.Today, I'm going grocery shopping at the store.
- Devo andare a fare la spesa.I have to go grocery shopping.
- Devo andare a fare la spesa subito.I must go grocery shopping right away.
- Vuoi andare a fare la spesa con me?Do you want to go grocery shopping with me?
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are planning their day at home.
- SofiaIl frigo è vuoto, dobbiamo andare a fare la spesa.The fridge is empty, we need to go grocery shopping.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Sofia. Quando preferisci andare?You are right, Sofia. When would you prefer to go?
- SofiaPossiamo andare adesso se sei libero.We can go now if you are free.
- LorenzoPerfetto, Lorenzo è pronto a partire!Perfect, Lorenzo is ready to leave!
