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Italian Phrase

Controlla bene i prezzi.

/konˈtrol.la ˈbe.ne i ˈprɛ.tsi/
Meaning"Check the prices carefully."
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Meaning

The sentence tells someone to look over the prices carefully, usually before buying something or when comparing offers. It carries a friendly but firm tone, implying that the listener should pay attention to cost details.

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When to use

Use this phrase while shopping, reviewing a bill, planning a budget, or when you want a friend to double‑check that they are getting a good deal.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Controllabeneiprezzi

1

Imperative (tu)

‘Controlla’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘controllare’, used for giving a direct command or advice.

2

Adverb placement

‘Bene’ (well) is placed directly after the verb to modify it, a common order in Italian imperatives.

3

Definite article + plural noun

‘i prezzi’ uses the masculine plural definite article ‘i’ with the noun ‘prezzi’ (prices).

🗨In Conversation

A

Controlla bene i prezzi prima di decidere cosa comprare.

Check the prices carefully before deciding what to buy.

Sì, voglio essere sicuro di non spendere troppo.

Yes, I want to make sure I don’t spend too much.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Controlla i prezzi bene.

    Adverbs normally follow the verb directly; placing ‘bene’ after the object sounds unnatural.

  • Controlla bene il prezzi.

    The noun ‘prezzi’ is plural, so it must take the plural article ‘i’, not the singular ‘il’.

  • Controlla bene il prezzo.

    Singular ‘prezzo’ changes the meaning to ‘the price’ of a single item; use the plural when referring to a list of prices.

↔Alternatives

  • Verifica attentamente i prezzi.

    Verify the prices attentively.

  • Dai un'occhiata ai prezzi con cura.

    Take a careful look at the prices.

  • Fai attenzione ai prezzi.

    Pay attention to the prices.

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Cultural Tip

In Italy, price comparison is common, especially in markets and supermarkets. Italians often ask the seller to ‘controllare i prezzi’ when they suspect a mistake or when they’re looking for the best offer. Using the imperative is polite if you’re speaking to a peer; with strangers or in a formal setting you might soften it with ‘per favore’ or use the infinitive form ‘controllare i prezzi’.