Italian Phrase
Prendiamo un carrello.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "We take a cart." It's a common and practical way to suggest or state the action of getting a shopping cart, luggage trolley, or similar wheeled basket, usually in a collaborative context. It implies a shared intention or action.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when entering a supermarket, a large store, or an airport with someone else, and you collectively decide that you need a cart or trolley for your items. It's a polite and direct suggestion.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prendiamouncarrello
Prendiamo (from Prendere)
Prendiamo is the 'noi' (we) conjugation of the verb 'prendere', meaning 'to take' or 'to get'. It's used here in the present indicative, often functioning as a suggestion or 'let's' command.
Un
'Un' is the indefinite masculine singular article, meaning 'a' or 'an'. It precedes masculine singular nouns that start with a consonant.
Carrello
'Carrello' is a masculine singular noun meaning 'cart' or 'trolley'. It can refer to a shopping cart, a luggage trolley, or other types of small wheeled carts.
🗨In Conversation
Siamo al supermercato. Prendiamo un carrello?
We're at the supermarket. Shall we get a cart?
Sì, buona idea. Ne prendo uno grande.
Yes, good idea. I'll get a big one.
✕Common Mistakes
Otteniamo un carrello.
"Ottenere" means "to obtain" or "to get" in a more abstract sense (e.g., a result), not for physically picking up or taking an object like a cart. "Prendere" is the correct verb here.
Noi prendiamo un carrello.
The subject pronoun "noi" (we) is often omitted in Italian when the verb conjugation already indicates the subject, making the sentence sound more natural and less redundant.
↔Alternatives
Ci serve un carrello.
We need a cart.
Vado a prendere un carrello.
I'm going to get a cart.
Prendiamo il carrello.
Let's get the cart.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, it's common to find shopping carts (carrelli) at the entrance of supermarkets, sometimes requiring a coin (usually €0.50 or €1) to release them, which is returned when you re-lock the cart. This phrase is a straightforward way to initiate the process of getting one. Politeness is key, so a friendly tone is always appreciated.