Italian Phrase
Che dettagli ti servono?
Meaning
The sentence asks the listener which specific details they need. It is a polite, informal way to request clarification about the information someone is looking for, whether in a work setting, while planning a trip, or during everyday conversation.
When to use
Use this question when you are offering help or information and want to know exactly what the other person is looking for. It works well in contexts such as filling out a form, preparing a report, giving directions, or discussing a project.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chedettaglitiservono?
Che (interrogative adjective)
Used before a noun to ask 'what' or 'which', agreeing in gender and number with the noun.
dettagli (noun, plural)
Means 'details'; plural form requires a plural verb.
ti (indirect object pronoun)
Second‑person singular informal pronoun meaning 'to you' or 'for you'.
servono (verb servire, 3rd person plural)
In this context servire works like 'to need'; it must agree with the plural subject 'dettagli'.
Verb‑subject agreement
Because 'dettagli' is plural, the verb takes the 3rd person plural form 'servono', not 'serve'.
🗨In Conversation
Che dettagli ti servono?
What details do you need?
Mi servono l'indirizzo completo e l'orario di arrivo.
I need the full address and the arrival time.
✕Common Mistakes
Che dettagli ti serve?
Verb must agree with the plural noun 'dettagli'; use 'servono' not 'serve'.
Che dettagli ti servono?
When speaking formally, replace the informal 'ti' with the formal 'Le'.
Che dettagli ti servono per la cena?
Do not translate 'servire' as 'to serve' in this context; it means 'to need' here.
↔Alternatives
Di quali dettagli hai bisogno?
Which details do you need?
Quali dettagli ti servono?
What details do you need?
Che informazioni ti servono?
What information do you need?
Cultural Tip
In informal Italian 'ti' is used for the singular 'you'. If you are speaking to someone you don't know well or in a professional setting, switch to the formal pronoun: 'Che dettagli le servono?' or 'Di quali dettagli ha bisogno?'. Also, while 'servire' is perfectly correct, many Italians prefer 'avere bisogno di' in casual speech, e.g., 'Che dettagli ti servono?' vs. 'Che dettagli ti servono?' (both are fine, but the latter sounds slightly more formal).