Italian Phrase
Dividiamo i calamari.
Meaning
Literally, 'We divide the squid.' In a kitchen setting it means that we are cutting the squid into portions so everyone can have a share or to prepare it for cooking.
When to use
Use this phrase while cooking, especially when preparing calamari for a shared dish, or when you need to split the portion among several people at the table.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dividiamoicalamari
Dividiamo (verb)
Present indicative, first person plural of 'dividere' (to divide, split).
i (definite article)
Masculine plural definite article, used before plural nouns like 'calamari'.
calamari (noun)
Masculine plural noun meaning 'squid' (often referring to the dish). The singular is 'calamaro', but 'calamari' can also be used as a collective singular.
🗨In Conversation
Dividiamo i calamari?
Shall we divide the squid?
Sì, così tutti ne hanno un po'.
Yes, that way everyone gets a bit.
✕Common Mistakes
Dividiamo il calamari.
The article must agree in gender and number; use 'i' for plural 'calamari'.
Dividiamo i calamaro.
Singular 'calamaro' needs the singular article 'il'.
Mangiamo i calamari.
This changes the meaning to 'We eat the squid' – use 'dividiamo' only when you intend to split or share.
↔Alternatives
Tagliamo i calamari.
We cut the squid.
Separiamo i calamari.
We separate the squid.
Dividiamo i calamari in quattro parti.
We divide the squid into four parts.
Cultural Tip
Calamari are a staple of Italian coastal cuisine, often served fried (calamari fritti) or in pasta sauces. When serving as an antipasto, it's common to split the rings so each guest can enjoy a portion. Remember that 'calamari' can refer both to the animal and to the prepared dish, so context determines the meaning.