Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| negozio | /neˈɡɔt.t͡sjo/ | masculine |
| magazzino | /ma.ɡadˈd͡zi.no/ | masculine |
A shop is an establishment that sells goods. You can use the phrase andare per negozi to describe the activity of browsing or going around various shops. Specific types of shops include a negozio di abbigliamento (clothing shop), a negozio di alimentari (grocery shop) and a negozio di scarpe (shoe shop).
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to establishments, negozio is the standard term for a typical retail shop or storefront where customers browse and buy goods. In contrast, magazzino refers to a warehouse or a large storage-style shop.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word negozio is a masculine noun. Its plural form is negozi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of negozio is /neˈɡɔt.tsjo/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
When shopping, you might find these useful phrases: Scusi to get someone's attention, Permesso when navigating through crowded spaces, Quanto costa? to ask how much something costs, Posso provarlo? to ask if you can try something on and Accettate carte di credito? to ask if they accept credit cards.
Did you know?
- Unlike in the US or UK, many small negozi in Italy traditionally observe a pausa or midday closure, often shutting from 1 pm to 4 pm.
- While negozio is the general term, many small, traditional Italian shops are called botteghe, which historically implied a workshop where the artisan also sold their goods.
- The term negozio traces back to the Latin word negōtium, which literally meant 'not a leisure' or 'business'.
Examples in context
- C'è un negozio lì?Is there a shop there?This sentence uses negozio to ask if a shop is located in a specific place.Tatoeba #13536945 by Guybrush88, translation #2666735 by CK
- Il negozio è chiuso.The shop is closed.This sentence uses negozio to state that a shop is closed.Tatoeba #4178956 by Guybrush88, translation #8048018 by OsoHombre
- Il negozio è vicino?Is the shop close?This sentence uses negozio to ask about the proximity of a shop.Tatoeba #5086269 by Guybrush88, translation #5018986 by paulstiles91
- Devo passare in bottega per comprare un regalo unico.I need to stop by the shop to buy a unique gift.
- Vieni con me in questo negozietto di souvenir.Come with me to this little souvenir shop.
- Vorrei fare shopping in qualche boutique di moda italiana.I would like to go shopping in some Italian fashion boutiques.
- Ho scoperto un'affascinante botteghina di prodotti alimentari tradizionali.I discovered a charming little food shop with traditional products.
- 341 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are walking in the city center.
- LorenzoMartina, cerco un negozio di scarpe.Martina, I am looking for a shoe shop.
- MartinaC'è un negozio proprio all'angolo.There is a shop right on the corner.
- LorenzoOttimo, andiamo subito lì.Great, let's go there right away.
- MartinaVa bene, Lorenzo.All right, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shop” translations and entries negozio, magazzino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries magazzino, negozio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
