Italian Phrase
Prendo il pollo.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "I take the chicken." However, in common Italian usage, especially when ordering food in a restaurant, it means "I'll have the chicken" or "I'm having the chicken." It's a very direct and common way to state your choice from a menu.
When to use
You primarily use this phrase when ordering food in a restaurant, cafe, or any establishment where you are selecting an item. It's a straightforward and accepted way to communicate your choice to a waiter or server. You can also use 'prendere' in other contexts meaning 'to take' or 'to pick up'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prendoilpollo
Prendo (from prendere)
'Prendo' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'prendere', which means 'to take' or 'to get'. In the context of ordering food, it's commonly used to mean 'I'll have' or 'I'm having'.
il
'Il' is the masculine singular definite article in Italian, equivalent to 'the' in English. It is used before masculine singular nouns starting with a consonant.
pollo
'Pollo' is a masculine singular noun meaning 'chicken'. It refers to the animal or the meat itself.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa prendi?
What are you having?
Prendo il pollo.
I'll have the chicken.
✕Common Mistakes
Ho il pollo.
While 'Ho' means 'I have', it's not used for ordering food. It implies possession, not selection from a menu.
Voglio il pollo.
'Voglio' means 'I want', which can sound a bit too direct or demanding in a restaurant setting. 'Prendo' is more polite and natural.
↔Alternatives
Vorrei il pollo.
I would like the chicken.
Mi dia il pollo, per favore.
Give me the chicken, please.
Ordino il pollo.
I order the chicken.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, directness in ordering food is often acceptable, and 'Prendo il pollo' is perfectly fine. However, if you want to be more polite or formal, 'Vorrei il pollo' (I would like the chicken) is a great alternative. Adding 'per favore' (please) to any of these phrases is always a good idea to show courtesy.