Italian Phrase
Che ingredienti ci servono?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask about the necessary components for a recipe or project. It uses the verb 'servire' in a construction where the ingredients are the subject and the people needing them are represented by the indirect object pronoun 'ci' (to us).
When to use
Use this phrase when you are in the kitchen planning a meal with someone or when you are at the supermarket checking your shopping list together. It is informal yet polite, suitable for friends, family, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cheingredienticiservono?
Che
An interrogative adjective used here to modify the noun 'ingredienti', meaning 'which' or 'what'.
Ci
An indirect object pronoun meaning 'to us', indicating who the ingredients are needed by.
Servono
The third-person plural form of 'servire', which must agree with the plural subject 'ingredienti'.
🗨In Conversation
Voglio cucinare il tiramisù stasera.
I want to cook tiramisu tonight.
Ottimo! Che ingredienti ci servono?
Great! Which ingredients do we need?
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa ingredienti abbiamo bisogno?
Use 'che' or 'quali' as adjectives before a noun; 'cosa' is a pronoun and cannot directly modify 'ingredienti'.
Che ingredienti noi servono?
The verb 'servire' functions like 'piacere'; it requires an indirect object pronoun like 'ci' instead of a subject pronoun.
↔Alternatives
Quali ingredienti servono?
Which ingredients are needed?
Di cosa abbiamo bisogno?
What do we need?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, cooking is often a communal activity. Using the pronoun 'ci' (us) reinforces the collaborative nature of the task, whether you are making a simple pasta or a complex Sunday feast.