Italian Phrase
È vegetariano?
Meaning
Literally ‘Is (he/she/you formal) vegetarian?’, used to ask whether someone follows a vegetarian diet. The question is polite and can be directed to a stranger, a waiter, or anyone you address with the formal *Lei*.
When to use
Use this phrase in restaurants, social gatherings, or when you need to know a person’s dietary restrictions. It’s the formal version; with friends you would say *Sei vegetariano?*
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èvegetariano?
È (essere)
Third‑person singular of the verb *essere*; used for formal 'you are' (Lei) as well as 'he/she/it is'.
vegetariano
Adjective meaning ‘vegetarian’; it agrees in gender and number with the subject (vegetariano/vegetariana).
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, è vegetariano?
Excuse me, are you vegetarian?
Sì, lo sono. Preferisco piatti senza carne.
Yes, I am. I prefer dishes without meat.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei vegetariano?
Correct for informal *tu*; using it with strangers can sound too familiar.
È vegetariana? (to a male)
Use *vegetariana* only when speaking to a female; otherwise the gender is mismatched.
È vegetariano
Missing the question mark changes it to a statement: ‘He/she is vegetarian.’
È vegetario?
Spelling error; the correct word is *vegetariano*.
↔Alternatives
Sei vegetariano?
Are you vegetarian? (informal)
È vegetariana?
Are you (female) vegetarian?
Segui una dieta vegetariana?
Do you follow a vegetarian diet?
È vegetariano/a?
Are you vegetarian? (gender‑neutral, asking for clarification)
Cultural Tip
Italian cuisine traditionally emphasizes meat and cheese, but most major cities now offer extensive vegetarian menus. When asking in a formal setting, use *È*; in casual conversation with peers, *Sei* is preferred. Remember that many Italians consider a ‘vegetarian’ to still eat dairy and eggs, so you may want to specify *vegano* if you avoid all animal products.