Italian Phrase
No, a volte compro la colazione.
Meaning
The speaker is refusing a suggestion (e.g., to make breakfast at home) and explains that, on occasion, they simply buy breakfast instead. The tone is casual and conversational.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone proposes you prepare breakfast, but you want to say that you sometimes just purchase it, perhaps at a café or bakery. It works in informal settings among friends, family, or coworkers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Noavoltecomprolacolazione
No
Simple negation used to refuse or contradict a previous statement.
a volte
Adverbial phrase meaning “sometimes”; placed before the verb it modifies.
compro
First‑person singular present of *comprare* (to buy).
la colazione
Definite article + noun; breakfast is a concrete, countable thing in Italian.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi preparare la colazione?
Do you want to make breakfast?
No, a volte compro la colazione.
No, sometimes I buy breakfast.
✕Common Mistakes
No, a volte faccio la colazione.
Use *faccio la colazione* when you prepare it yourself; *compro* means you buy it.
No, a volte compro colazione.
The noun needs the definite article *la*.
No, compro a volte la colazione.
Adverbial phrase *a volte* should be placed before the verb, not after.
↔Alternatives
No, a volte la compro.
No, sometimes I buy it.
No, a volte la prendo al bar.
No, sometimes I get it at the bar.
No, a volte ordino la colazione.
No, sometimes I order breakfast.
Cultural Tip
In Italy breakfast (la colazione) is usually light – a coffee, a croissant or a small pastry. Buying it at a bar or a bakery is the norm for many people, especially on busy mornings. Saying you "compro la colazione" sounds natural and shows you’re aware of this everyday habit.