Italian Phrase
Vuoi un antipasto?
Meaning
Literally, “Do you want an appetizer?” It’s a friendly, informal way to ask someone if they’d like to start a meal with a small dish.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re at a restaurant, a home dinner, or a casual gathering and you want to offer or suggest a starter. It’s appropriate with friends, family, or anyone you address informally.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vuoiunantipasto?
Volere (present)
‘Vuoi’ is the second‑person singular present of ‘volere’ (to want). Use ‘vuole’ for formal ‘you’.
Indefinite article
‘un’ is the masculine singular indefinite article used before a consonant‑starting noun.
Antipasto
‘antipasto’ is a masculine noun meaning ‘appetizer’ or ‘starter’ in a meal.
Question intonation
In spoken Italian the rising intonation at the end signals a yes/no question; the written question mark is optional in informal speech.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi un antipasto?
Do you want an appetizer?
Sì, grazie. Prendo la bruschetta.
Yes, thanks. I’ll have the bruschetta.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei un antipasto?
‘Sei’ means ‘you are’; use ‘vuoi’ (want) when asking about a desire.
Vuoi una antipasto?
‘Antipasto’ is masculine, so the article must be ‘un’, not the feminine ‘una’.
Vuoi volere un antipasto?
Using the infinitive ‘volere’ (Vuoi volere…) is redundant; the conjugated verb alone expresses the meaning.
Vuoi un' antipasto?
The apostrophe is used before a vowel; ‘antipasto’ starts with a consonant, so write ‘un antipasto’.
↔Alternatives
Ti va un antipasto?
Would you like an appetizer?
Vorresti un antipasto?
Would you like an appetizer? (more polite)
Desideri un antipasto?
Do you desire an appetizer? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In Italy the ‘antipasto’ course is often shared among the table and can include cured meats, cheeses, olives, and small bites like bruschetta. Ordering an antipasto is a way to extend the meal and enjoy conversation. If you’re at a formal restaurant, it’s common to say ‘Vorrei un antipasto, per favore’ to sound more courteous.