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Italian Phrase

Hai qualcosa da dichiarare?

/ˈai kwalˈkoːza da dikiˈaːre/
Meaning"Do you have anything to declare?"
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Meaning

Literally “Do you have something to declare?”, this question is asked by officials (customs officers, police, security) to find out whether a traveler or a person has any goods, money, or information that must be reported.

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When to use

Use this phrase at airports, border crossings, train stations, or any situation where an authority is checking for undeclared items, money, or statements. It can also appear in informal contexts like a police officer asking a suspect.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Haiqualcosadadichiarare?

1

Hai (avere)

Second‑person singular present of the verb *avere* (to have). Used here to ask a question.

2

qualcosa

Indefinite pronoun meaning “something” or “anything”. It follows the verb directly.

3

da + infinitive

The construction *da* + infinitive expresses an obligation or something that needs to be done, similar to “to” in English.

4

dichiarare

Infinitive verb meaning “to declare”. Commonly used at borders, customs, or police checks.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hai qualcosa da dichiarare?

Do you have anything to declare?

No, niente. Sto solo viaggiando per lavoro.

No, nothing. I'm just traveling for work.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hai qualcosa da dichiarare?

    When speaking formally to a stranger, use *Ha* (third‑person) instead of *Hai* (second‑person).

  • Hai cosa da dichiarare?

    Do not replace it with *cosa*; *qualcosa* conveys “anything” in a question.

  • Hai qualcosa dichiarare?

    The *da* + infinitive construction is required; omitting *da* sounds unnatural.

↔Alternatives

  • Hai qualcosa da dichiarare?

    Do you have anything to declare?

  • Ha qualcosa da dichiarare?

    Do you have anything to declare? (formal, third person)

  • C'è qualcosa da dichiarare?

    Is there anything to declare?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy, customs officers are very precise about cash limits (10,000 €) and certain goods (alcohol, tobacco, food). Answering honestly avoids fines. The formal *Lei* form (*Ha qualcosa da dichiarare?*) is used by officials when addressing strangers, while the informal *tu* form (*Hai…*) may appear in smaller airports or when the officer wants to sound friendly.