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Italian Phrase

Chiedi sempre una ricevuta per ogni pagamento.

/ˈkjɛ.di ˈsɛm.pre ˈu.na ri.tʃeˈvu.ta per ˈoɲ.ɲi pa.ɡaˈmen.to/
Meaning"Always ask for a receipt for every payment."
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct instruction or piece of advice to request a receipt whenever you make a payment. It emphasizes the importance of documentation for financial transactions, whether for personal records, potential returns, or tax purposes. It's a practical piece of advice for everyday life.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when advising someone about financial transactions, especially in Italy where businesses are often legally required to issue receipts. It's useful when shopping, dining out, or paying for services, ensuring you have proof of purchase and helping to ensure businesses comply with tax laws.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Chiedisempreuna ricevutaperognipagamento

1

Chiedi (Chiedere)

This is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'chiedere' (to ask, to request). It's used to give a direct command or strong advice to 'you' (tu).

2

sempre

'Sempre' is an adverb meaning 'always.' In Italian, adverbs of frequency like 'sempre' typically follow the verb they modify.

3

una ricevuta

'Una' is the indefinite article for feminine singular nouns, meaning 'a' or 'an.' 'Ricevuta' is a feminine noun meaning 'receipt' or 'invoice.'

4

per

'Per' is a versatile preposition that can mean 'for,' 'by,' 'through,' or 'in order to.' Here, it indicates the purpose or relation, meaning 'for every payment.'

5

ogni

'Ogni' is an indefinite adjective meaning 'every' or 'each.' It is invariable (does not change for gender or number) and always precedes a singular noun.

6

pagamento

'Pagamento' is a masculine singular noun meaning 'payment.' It comes from the verb 'pagare' (to pay).

🗨In Conversation

A

Ho appena pagato il conto al ristorante.

I just paid the bill at the restaurant.

Bene! E hai chiesto la ricevuta? Chiedi sempre una ricevuta per ogni pagamento.

Good! And did you ask for the receipt? Always ask for a receipt for every payment.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Domanda sempre una ricevuta per ogni pagamento.

    While 'domandare' also means 'to ask,' 'chiedere' is more commonly used and natural when asking for a specific item or service like a receipt, whereas 'domandare' often implies asking a question.

  • Chiedi sempre una ricevuta a ogni pagamento.

    'Per ogni' is the correct prepositional phrase meaning 'for every' or 'for each' in this context, indicating the occasion or reason for the receipt.

  • Chiedi sempre la ricevuta per ogni pagamento.

    While 'la ricevuta' (the receipt) isn't strictly incorrect, 'una ricevuta' (a receipt) is more natural when asking for *any* receipt for a transaction, rather than a specific, pre-identified one.

↔Alternatives

  • Posso avere una ricevuta, per favore?

    Can I have a receipt, please?

  • È possibile avere la ricevuta?

    Is it possible to have the receipt?

  • Mi dia una ricevuta.

    Give me a receipt.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy, businesses are legally required to issue a receipt (scontrino fiscale or ricevuta fiscale) for almost every transaction. Not receiving one can sometimes indicate tax evasion, and customers are technically required to keep their receipt for a short distance after leaving the establishment. Asking for one is not only good practice for personal records but also helps ensure businesses comply with tax laws.