Italian Phrase
Questo piatto è piccante?
Meaning
A polite question you ask a waiter, chef, or friend to find out whether the dish you’re looking at or about to order has a noticeable heat level. It directly translates to “Is this dish spicy?”
When to use
Use it in restaurants, at home when someone serves you food, or when you’re trying a new recipe and want to know how hot it will be. It works both in casual conversation and in more formal dining settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Questopiattoèpiccante?
Questo
Demonstrative adjective meaning 'this', used with masculine singular nouns and agrees in gender and number.
piatto
Masculine singular noun meaning 'dish' or 'plate'.
è
Third‑person singular present of the verb 'essere' (to be).
piccante
Adjective meaning 'spicy'; it must agree with the noun it modifies (masculine singular → piccante).
🗨In Conversation
Questo piatto è piccante?
Is this dish spicy?
Sì, è abbastanza piccante, ma possiamo aggiungere meno peperoncino se preferisci.
Yes, it’s fairly spicy, but we can add less chili if you prefer.
✕Common Mistakes
Questo piatto è piccanti?
The adjective must agree with the singular noun 'piatto'; use 'piccante' not the plural 'piccanti'.
Questo piatto sono piccante?
Use 'è' for singular subjects; 'sono' is for plural (e.g., 'questi piatti sono piccanti').
↔Alternatives
Questo è piccante?
Is this spicy?
Il piatto è piccante?
Is the dish spicy?
È piccante questo piatto?
Is this dish spicy?
Cultural Tip
In most of Italy, dishes are not extremely hot; the word 'piccante' usually refers to a gentle warmth from chili or pepper. Southern regions (e.g., Calabria, Sicily) use more heat, so asking the question can signal you’re aware of regional differences. Also, remember that 'piccante' can describe the flavor of ingredients (like pepperoncini) as well as the overall spiciness of a dish.