Italian Phrase
Prendo la zuppa.
Meaning
This phrase uses the verb 'prendere', which literally translates to 'to take', but functions as the standard way to order food or drinks in Italian. It is the most natural way to express 'I will have' or 'I am getting' when speaking to a server. It sounds confident and native, avoiding the overly literal translations often used by beginners.
When to use
Use this phrase in a restaurant, cafe, or bar when the waiter asks for your order. It is appropriate for both formal and informal dining settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prendolazuppa
Prendere (Present Tense)
'Prendo' is the first-person singular present tense of 'prendere'. In Italian, the present tense is frequently used for immediate intentions like ordering.
Gender Agreement
The article 'la' must match the feminine gender of the noun 'zuppa'. Italian nouns ending in 'a' are almost always feminine.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa desidera ordinare?
What would you like to order?
Prendo la zuppa.
I'll have the soup.
✕Common Mistakes
Io avrò la zuppa.
English speakers often use the future tense of 'avere' (to have), but Italians use the present tense of 'prendere' to order.
Prendo il zuppa.
Zuppa is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by the feminine article 'la' instead of the masculine 'il'.
↔Alternatives
Vorrei la zuppa.
I would like the soup.
Per me la zuppa, per favore.
For me the soup, please.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, soup is typically considered a 'primo piatto' (first course). When ordering, you don't need to use complex polite forms; a simple 'Prendo' followed by 'per favore' is perfectly polite and indicates you are comfortable with the language.