Italian Phrase
Sei pronto a ordinare?
Meaning
Literally, “Are you ready to order?” It is the typical question a waiter asks a customer when the meal is about to start. The phrase can also be used in any situation where someone is about to place an order, such as online food delivery or a group deciding what to eat.
When to use
Use this sentence in a restaurant, café, or any dining setting when you want to check if the other person is prepared to give their order. It is informal, so it works with friends, family, or when the waiter has already established a friendly rapport. For a formal setting, switch to ‘È pronto a ordinare?’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seiprontoaordinare?
Essere (Sei)
‘Sei’ is the second‑person singular present of the verb ‘essere’ (to be), used for informal ‘you’.
Adjective agreement (pronto)
‘Pronto’ is an adjective meaning ‘ready’; it must agree in gender and number with the subject (masc. sing.).
Preposition ‘a’ + infinitive
In Italian, ‘a’ is used before an infinitive to express readiness or intention (e.g., ‘pronto a fare’).
Infinitive verb (ordinare)
‘Ordinare’ is the infinitive of the verb ‘to order’ (as in a restaurant or shop).
🗨In Conversation
Sei pronto a ordinare?
Are you ready to order?
Sì, vorrei prima il menù, per favore.
Yes, I’d like the menu first, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei pronto per ordinare?
The preposition after ‘pronto’ is ‘a’, not ‘per’.
Sei pronta a ordinare?
Adjectives must agree with the gender of the person you’re addressing.
Sei pronto di ordinare?
‘Di’ is not used after ‘pronto’; it changes the meaning to ‘ready of ordering’, which is ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Hai deciso cosa ordinare?
Have you decided what to order?
Vuoi ordinare ora?
Do you want to order now?
È pronto a ordinare?
Are you ready to order? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In Italy waiters often wait for a clear signal before asking this question; a quick glance or a raised hand can be enough. The informal ‘Sei pronto…’ is common in casual trattorias, but in more formal ristoranti you’ll hear the polite ‘È pronto a ordinare?’ Also remember to match the adjective to gender – a woman would be asked ‘Sei pronta a ordinare?’