Italian Phrase
Chiedi prima di portare altri ospiti.
Meaning
‘Ask before bringing additional guests.’ The sentence is a polite directive, using the imperative to remind someone to seek permission before inviting more people.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re hosting an event, staying in a rented apartment, or attending a private gathering and want to remind guests to get approval before adding more people.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chiediprimadiportarealtriospiti.
Chiedi (imperative)
Second‑person singular imperative of chiedere ‘to ask’; used for polite commands or requests.
prima di + infinitive
A temporal construction meaning ‘before doing something’; the infinitive follows the preposition di.
portare (infinitive)
The base form of the verb ‘to bring/ to carry’; used after prima di.
altri (adjective)
Means ‘other’ or ‘additional’; placed before the noun it modifies.
ospiti (noun, plural)
Plural of ospite, meaning ‘guests’; commonly used when referring to people invited to a place.
🗨In Conversation
Posso invitare anche i miei amici?
Can I also invite my friends?
Chiedi prima di portare altri ospiti, per favore.
Ask before bringing additional guests, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Chiedere prima di portare altri ospiti.
‘Chiedere’ is the infinitive; you need the imperative ‘Chiedi’ to give a command.
prima di portare altri ospiti chiedi.
The imperative should come first; placing it at the end sounds unnatural.
Chiedi prima di portare altri ospite.
‘Ospite’ is singular; you need the plural ‘ospiti’ when referring to multiple guests.
↔Alternatives
Chiedi il permesso prima di invitare altri ospiti.
Ask for permission before inviting other guests.
Prima di portare altri ospiti, chiedi al padrone di casa.
Before bringing other guests, ask the host.
Fai sapere prima se vuoi portare più persone.
Let us know beforehand if you want to bring more people.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, hospitality is highly valued, but it’s considered rude to show up with extra people without checking with the host first. Whether it’s a family dinner or a small party, asking beforehand shows respect for the host’s space and planning.