Italian Phrase
Chi porta il dolce?
Meaning
Literally “Who brings the dessert?” It is used to find out which person will be responsible for bringing a sweet dish, usually in the context of a gathering, a pot‑luck, or a family celebration.
When to use
Use this question when you’re planning a party, a family dinner, or any event where guests are expected to contribute a dessert. It works both in informal chats with friends and in slightly more formal settings like a workplace lunch.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chiportaildolce?
Chi (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask about a person; it does not change for gender or number.
porta (present tense)
Third‑person singular of the verb *portare* (to bring, to carry).
il dolce (definite article + noun)
The article *il* is used before masculine singular nouns that start with a consonant.
Question word order
In Italian, the interrogative pronoun can appear at the beginning of the clause, followed by the verb, just like in a statement.
🗨In Conversation
Chi porta il dolce?
Who’s bringing the dessert?
Io porto la tiramisù.
I’ll bring tiramisu.
✕Common Mistakes
Chi è porta il dolce?
Do not insert the verb *è*; the verb *porta* already carries the subject.
Chi porta i dolce?
The noun *dolce* is singular; the article must agree (*il dolce*).
Chi porta il dolci?
Plural *dolci* needs the article *i*; the question would become *Chi porta i dolci?* if you really mean multiple desserts.
↔Alternatives
Chi porta il dessert?
Who brings the dessert?
Chi si occuperà del dolce?
Who will take care of the dessert?
Chi porta qualcosa di dolce?
Who brings something sweet?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, desserts are often a highlight of a meal and are frequently shared. It’s common to ask who will bring the *dolce* at a family reunion or a *cena* with friends, and the answer is usually a beloved homemade treat like tiramisu, panna cotta, or a seasonal fruit cake. Keep the tone friendly – Italians love a little friendly competition over who can bring the most delicious *dolce*.