Italian Phrase
Che vuoi da bere?
Meaning
A friendly, informal way to ask someone what they would like to drink. It’s commonly used when you’re offering a beverage at home, in a café, or during a casual gathering.
When to use
Use it with friends, family, or anyone you address with the informal "tu". It’s perfect for hosts, baristas, or anyone who wants to show hospitality in a relaxed setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chevuoidabere?
Che (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask "what" in informal spoken Italian; it can replace "cosa" in casual conversation.
vuoi (volere, 2nd person singular)
The present indicative of "volere" meaning "you want"; matches the informal "tu" subject.
da + infinitive
The preposition "da" before an infinitive expresses purpose, similar to "to" in English ("to drink").
bere (infinitive)
The infinitive form of "to drink"; follows "da" to complete the purpose construction.
🗨In Conversation
Che vuoi da bere?
What would you like to drink?
Prendo un caffè, grazie.
I'll have a coffee, thanks.
✕Common Mistakes
Che vuoi bere?
Missing the preposition "da"; the correct construction is "da + infinitive" to express purpose.
Che vuoi da bere?
When speaking formally, the verb must agree with "Lei": "Che vuole da bere?"
↔Alternatives
Cosa vuoi bere?
What do you want to drink?
Che cosa vuoi da bere?
What do you want to drink?
Ti va qualcosa da bere?
Would you like something to drink?
Vuoi qualcosa da bere?
Do you want something to drink?
Cultural Tip
Offering a drink is a core part of Italian hospitality. In many households, a coffee is served after meals, while in the north you might hear "Che vuoi da bere?" more often than in the south, where "Cosa vuoi bere?" is preferred. Remember to match the level of formality: use "Che vuole da bere?" when speaking to someone you address with "Lei".