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Italian Phrase

Cosa devo portare alla festa?

/ˈkɔ.za ˈde.vo porˈta.re alˈla ˈfɛs.ta/
Meaning"What should I bring to the party?"
💡

Meaning

Literally “What must I bring to the party?” It is used to ask the host what items (food, drink, gifts, etc.) are expected or appreciated at a social gathering.

🎯

When to use

Use this question when you’ve been invited to a party, a dinner, or any celebration and you want to be sure you contribute something appropriate. It shows politeness and a willingness to help the host.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Cosadevoportareallafesta?

1

Cosa

Interrogative pronoun meaning “what”. It can appear at the beginning of a question without needing a verb.

2

Devo

First‑person singular of the modal verb *dovere* (to have to). It expresses obligation or a strong suggestion.

3

Portare

Infinitive verb meaning “to bring”. After a modal verb (devo, posso, voglio, ecc.) the infinitive stays unchanged.

4

Alla

Contraction of the preposition *a* + the definite article *la*. It introduces the destination or the event: “to the party”.

5

Festa

Noun meaning “party, celebration”. With *alla* it becomes “to the party”.

🗨In Conversation

A

Cosa devo portare alla festa?

What should I bring to the party?

Porta una bottiglia di vino e, se ti va, un dolce fatto in casa.

Bring a bottle of wine and, if you like, a homemade dessert.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Cosa devo a portare alla festa?

    The preposition *a* does not belong before the infinitive. The correct structure is *devo + infinitive*.

  • Cosa devo portare in la festa?

    Use *alla* (a + la) for “to the party”, not *in la*.

  • Che devo portare alla festa?

    The verb *devo* must stay after the interrogative pronoun, not before it.

↔Alternatives

  • Che cosa devo portare alla festa?

    What should I bring to the party?

  • Cosa posso portare alla festa?

    What can I bring to the party?

  • Hai bisogno di qualcosa per la festa?

    Do you need anything for the party?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy it’s customary to bring a small gift to a private party – usually a bottle of wine, a dessert, or a snack to share. In some regions (e.g., Sicily) a sweet pastry is expected, while in the north a good wine is often preferred. Always ask the host first; they’ll appreciate the gesture and may give you a hint about what’s missing.