Italian Phrase
Sì, questa ricetta è entrambe le cose.
Meaning
The speaker confirms that the recipe belongs to two categories at once – for example, it can be both sweet and savory, or both quick and elaborate. The phrase emphasizes the dual nature of the dish.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks if a dish fits a specific description and you want to say it actually satisfies two opposite or distinct criteria. It works well in cooking discussions, menu explanations, or casual food‑talk among friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sìquestaricettaèentrambelecose
Sì (affirmation)
Used to answer positively to a yes/no question; it stands alone or can start a sentence.
questa (demonstrative adjective)
Matches the gender and number of the noun it modifies; here feminine singular to agree with 'ricetta'.
è (verb essere)
Third‑person singular present of 'to be', used for identification or description.
entrambe (indefinite adjective/pronoun)
Means 'both' and must agree in gender and number with the noun it qualifies; feminine plural here.
le (definite article)
Feminine plural article that precedes 'cose'.
cose (noun)
A generic feminine plural noun meaning 'things' or 'items'.
🗨In Conversation
Questa ricetta è dolce?
Is this recipe sweet?
Sì, questa ricetta è entrambe le cose.
Yes, this recipe is both things.
✕Common Mistakes
Sì, questa ricetta è entrambi le cose.
Use 'entrambe' for feminine plural nouns like 'cose'; 'entrambi' is masculine.
Sì, questa ricetta sono entrambe le cose.
The verb must agree with the singular subject; the phrase is correct, but learners sometimes mistakenly make the verb plural.
Sì, questa ricetta è entrambe i gusti.
If you replace 'cose' with a specific noun, remember to keep gender/number agreement.
↔Alternatives
Sì, questa ricetta è sia dolce che salata.
Yes, this recipe is both sweet and salty.
Sì, è una ricetta che combina due gusti.
Yes, it's a recipe that combines two flavors.
Certo, è una ricetta 2‑in‑1.
Sure, it's a 2‑in‑1 recipe.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, 'entrambe' is used only with feminine plural nouns; for masculine plural you would say 'entrambi'. A more idiomatic way to express the same idea is 'sia... che...' (e.g., 'è sia dolce che salata'). Keep the verb 'essere' in singular when the subject is singular, even if the predicate contains a plural noun.