Mangia or Mangiare? Use ‘Eat’ in Italian Appropriately


No different verb is as essential as mangiare (to eat) in Italy. From saying an enthusiastic “Let’s eat!” to pairing it with Italian phrases for meals, this verb is a should in each day conversations. Take this information as your cheat sheet for utilizing “eat” in Italian in each state of affairs. Since Italian verbs may be difficult, you’ll discover suggestions, examples, and customary phrases to apply whereas studying Italian.

say ‘eat’ in Italian

If you wish to say “eat” in Italian, the phrase is mangia, which is the crucial type of the verb mangiare (to eat). Understanding the distinction between the 2 is crucial to make use of this verb correctly.

ItalianPronunciation
mangiaMAHN-jah
mangiaremahn-JAH-reh

When to make use of mangia (eat) vs mangiare (to eat)

Mangia is technically a command, typically utilized in a sort and well mannered method:

  • Mangia questa. = Eat this.
  • Mangia la verdura. = Eat your greens.

Mangiare is the essential conjugated kind you utilize after one other verb or in a common assertion:

  • Vuole qualcosa da mangiare. = She desires one thing to eat.
  • Non mangiare questo. = Don’t eat this. 

conjugate mangiare (to eat) in Italian

In Italian grammar, verbs fall into three teams based mostly on the infinitive ending: -ARE, -ERE, and -IRE. The verb mangiare belongs to the -ARE verbs in Italian, which comply with common and easy-to-learn conjugation patterns.

The current: ‘I eat/am consuming’ in Italian

The current tense is to debate present or common actions:

  • Io mangio un panino. = I’m consuming a sandwich.
  • La ragazza mangia con le amiche. = She is consuming along with her buddies.

If the exercise is ongoing, add the irregular verb stare (to be/to remain) earlier than:

  • I passeggeri in prima classe stanno mangiando. = The passengers in top notch are consuming.

The previous: ‘I ate/have eaten’ in Italian

Previous tenses are key to telling a narrative as a result of if you eat good meals, you wish to discuss it!

  • Mangiavo sempre in quel ristorante a Trastevere. = I used to all the time eat at that restaurant in Trastevere.
  • Hai mangiato la verdura? = Have you ever eaten your greens?

Different phrases Italians use for sure meals as a substitute of ‘eat’ 

Some of the frequent errors amongst English audio system is utilizing mangiare (to eat) earlier than the identify of a meal. In Italian, you need to exchange the verbs “to eat” and “to have” with fare (“to do”) and different meal-specific verbs. Let’s break down the variations.

Fare colazione (to eat breakfast)

To say “I eat breakfast” in Italian, say Io faccio colazione (actually, “I do breakfast”).

  • Lei quando fa colazione? = When do you eat breakfast? (formal you) 
  • Io faccio colazione prima di lavorare. = I eat/have breakfast earlier than I work.

Use fare (to do) additionally when speaking about merenda (afternoon snack) and aperitivo (aperitif).

  • I bambini stanno facendo la merenda. = The kids are having a snack.
  • Facciamo aperitivo stasera? = We could have an aperitif tonight?

Pranzare (to eat lunch)

As an alternative of “eat” in Italian, native audio system use the devoted verb pranzare for consuming pranzo (lunch):

  • Vorreste pranzare con noi? = Would you wish to eat lunch with us?
  • Tu con chi pranzi? = Who are you consuming lunch with? 
  • Io pranzo con mia sorella. = I’m consuming lunch with my sister. 

Cenare (to eat dinner)

Equally, for cena (dinner), Italians use a particular verb: cenare (to have dinner):

  • Loro cenano al tramonto. = They eat dinner at sundown.
  • Noi ceniamo fuori. = We’re consuming dinner outdoors. 
  • Vogliamo cenare sulla spiaggia. = We wish to eat dinner on the seaside. 

say ‘let’s eat’ in Italian

Most methods to say “Let’s eat!” are much like English, however there are additionally commonplace Italian expressions price practising.

ItalianEnglish
A tavola!To the desk! (utilized by dad and mom or hosts at house)
Andiamo a mangiare!Let’s go eat! (when heading to the meal)
Dai, mangiamo!*Let’s eat!
È ora di mangiare!Time to eat! (when feeling hungry or it’s your traditional time for supper)
È pronto!It’s prepared!
Si mangia!Let’s eat! (when meals is coming or served)

* Dai (give) means “let’s” or “c’mon” in Italian slang.

Incessantly requested questions on ‘eat’ in Italian

Let’s see some fast solutions to remember to keep away from confusion about all of the methods to say “eat” in Italian.

What are different Italian verbs for ‘to eat’?

The Italian verb for “to eat” is mangiare. Some synonyms with totally different nuances embody

  • pranzare = to have lunch
  • cenare = to have dinner
  • fare colazione/merenda = to have breakfast/a day snack
  • fare aperitivo = to have an aperitif

What does mangia mangia imply?

Saying “eat eat” in Italian to encourage somebody to eat is quite common.

  • Mangia mangia, non fare complimenti. = Eat, eat! Don’t be shy.

What do Italians say earlier than consuming?

Earlier than beginning a meal, Italians typically say

  • Mangiamo! = Let’s eat!
  • Buon appetito! = Take pleasure in your meal!

What do Italians say after they toast?

The most typical technique to say “cheers” in Italian is Salute! (to your well being).

Language immersion will assist you a large number as you get accustomed to the varied phrases round meals in Italy. An method like Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion methodology guides you thru bite-sized classes and real-life examples, making grammar pure and intuitive.

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