Italian Phrase
Ti serve una busta?
Meaning
Literally, “Is a bag needed for you?” It is the polite way to ask a customer or a friend if they would like a bag, usually at a shop, market, or when packing something.
When to use
Use this question at the checkout in a grocery store, bakery, or any place where items are being handed over. It can also be used at home when you’re helping someone pack something.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tiserveunabusta?
Ti (indirect object pronoun)
‘Ti’ is the second‑person singular indirect object pronoun, meaning ‘to you’ or ‘for you’.
serve (impersonal verb)
‘Serve’ is the third‑person singular of ‘servire’ used impersonally; it translates to ‘is needed’ or ‘do you need’ in questions.
una busta (indefinite article + noun)
‘Una’ is the feminine singular indefinite article; ‘busta’ means ‘bag’ or ‘envelope’, depending on context.
🗨In Conversation
Ti serve una busta?
Do you need a bag?
Sì, grazie. Ne prendo una di carta.
Yes, thank you. I’ll take a paper one.
✕Common Mistakes
Ti serve una buste?
‘Buste’ is plural; the question is singular, so use ‘busta’.
Sei serve una busta?
‘Sei’ is the verb ‘to be’; the correct verb is ‘serve’ (from ‘servire’).
Ti servi una busta?
‘Servi’ is the second‑person singular form; the impersonal construction requires the third‑person singular ‘serve’.
↔Alternatives
Vuoi una busta?
Do you want a bag?
Ti serve un sacchetto?
Do you need a small bag?
Ti serve una busta di plastica?
Do you need a plastic bag?
Cultural Tip
In Italy many supermarkets charge a small fee for plastic bags, so it’s common to ask customers if they really need one. ‘Busta’ usually refers to a paper bag, while ‘sacchetto’ is used for plastic. Offering a bag politely shows good customer service and respect for the environment.