Italian Phrase
Mi dai una porzione di patatine?
Meaning
Literally, “Will you give me a portion of chips?” It’s a polite, informal request for a serving of potato chips (or fries) at a bar, café, or fast‑food place. The question mark signals that the speaker expects a yes/no answer, but the tone is friendly rather than demanding.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re at a casual eat‑in spot, a sports bar, or a street‑food stall and you want a side of chips. It works best with friends, peers, or staff you address informally (tu). For a more formal setting you would switch *dai* to *dà*.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Midaiunaporzionedipatatine
Mi
Indirect object pronoun meaning “to me”. It precedes the verb in Italian.
dai
Second‑person singular present of the verb *dare* (to give). Used for informal “you”.
una
Indefinite article for feminine singular nouns.
porzione
Feminine noun meaning “portion”. Often used in cafés and bars when ordering a serving.
di
Preposition that links the portion to what it contains – “of”.
patatine
Plural of *patatina*, meaning “chips” (crisps) or “small potatoes”. In Italy it usually refers to thin, fried potato slices.
🗨In Conversation
Mi dai una porzione di patatine?
Could you give me a portion of chips?
Certo, subito!
Sure, right away!
✕Common Mistakes
Mi dà una porzione di patatine.
Use *dai* for informal you (tu). *Dà* is the formal *lei* form.
Mi dai una porzione di patatina.
Patatina is singular; you need the plural *patatine* for a portion of chips.
Mi dai una porzione di patatine?
The question mark is correct, but learners often forget the rising intonation in speech; say it with a friendly tone.
Mi dai una porzione di patatine, grazie.
While not wrong, it’s more natural to place *per favore* before the request or at the end with a pause: *Mi dai una porzione di patatine, per favore?*
↔Alternatives
Puoi portarmi una porzione di patatine?
Can you bring me a portion of chips?
Mi potresti dare una porzione di patatine?
Could you give me a portion of chips?
Vorrei una porzione di patatine, per favore.
I would like a portion of chips, please.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, *patatine* usually refers to thin, crunchy potato chips (the kind you buy in a bag). If you want the thicker, fried sticks you’d say *patatine fritte* or *patatine al forno*. Ordering a *porzione* is common in bars that serve snacks “alla spina” (by the portion). Remember that Italian cafés often serve a small free *porzione* of chips with a drink, but larger servings are charged per *porzione*.