Italian Phrase
A chi tocca lavare i piatti?
Meaning
This phrase uses the verb 'toccare' in an impersonal way to express whose turn or obligation it is to perform a task. It literally translates to 'To whom does it touch to wash the dishes?' and is the standard idiomatic way to discuss turns in Italian.
When to use
Use this phrase in domestic settings, shared apartments, or informal group situations when deciding who is responsible for a chore. It is also applicable in games or any activity involving a sequence of participants.
✦Grammar Breakdown
A chitoccalavarei piatti
A chi
This combines the preposition 'a' (to) with the interrogative 'chi' (who) to form an indirect object.
Tocca
The third-person singular of 'toccare', used here as an impersonal verb meaning 'to be one's turn'.
Lavare i piatti
A fixed expression where 'lavare' (to wash) is followed by the definite article 'i' and the plural noun 'piatti'.
🗨In Conversation
La cena era squisita, ma ora c'è un disordine incredibile.
Dinner was delicious, but now there's an incredible mess.
Hai ragione. Allora, a chi tocca lavare i piatti?
You're right. So, whose turn is it to wash the dishes?
✕Common Mistakes
Chi tocca lavare i piatti?
The verb 'toccare' requires the indirect object preposition 'a' to indicate to whom the turn belongs.
A chi tocca di lavare i piatti?
In this construction, the preposition 'di' is redundant before the infinitive verb 'lavare'.
↔Alternatives
Di chi è il turno di lavare i piatti?
Whose turn is it to wash the dishes?
Chi lava i piatti oggi?
Who is washing the dishes today?
Cultural Tip
In Italian culture, chores are often managed through a rotating system of 'toccare'. Using this verb implies a sense of fairness and shared responsibility within the family or group.