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Italian Phrase

Dobbiamo definire il menù.

/dobˈbjaːmo defiˈniːre il meˈnu/
Meaning"We have to define the menu."
💡

Meaning

Literally “We have to define the menu.” It is used when a group (e.g., chefs, event planners, or a restaurant team) needs to decide what dishes will be offered.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence in professional or informal settings when discussing menu planning for a restaurant, a catering event, or a home dinner party. It conveys a sense of shared responsibility.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Dobbiamodefinireilmenù

1

Dobbiamo

First‑person plural present of the modal verb *potere* (to be able to). It expresses obligation: “we must / we have to”.

2

definire

An infinitive verb meaning “to define, to set, to determine”. After a modal verb the infinitive follows directly.

3

il

The masculine singular definite article. Even though *menù* ends in –ù, it is masculine, so the article is *il*.

4

menù

A masculine noun borrowed from French/English, meaning “menu”. The accent on the final *ù* is mandatory in Italian.

🗨In Conversation

A

Dobbiamo definire il menù per la cena di domani.

We have to define the menu for tomorrow’s dinner.

Sì, scegliamo prima gli antipasti e poi i primi piatti.

Yes, let’s pick the appetizers first and then the first courses.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Dobbiamo definire il menu.

    The noun *menù* requires an accent on the final *ù*; without it the word is misspelled.

  • Dobbiamo definire la menù.

    Even though it ends in a vowel, *menù* is masculine, so the correct article is *il*.

  • Devo definire il menù.

    Using *devo* (I have to) changes the subject from “we” to “I”. Keep *dobbiamo* if you mean a collective obligation.

↔Alternatives

  • Dobbiamo stabilire il menù.

    We have to set the menu.

  • È necessario definire il menù.

    It is necessary to define the menu.

  • Occorre decidere il menù.

    We need to decide the menu.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy the *menù* is usually divided into *antipasti* (appetizers), *primi* (first courses like pasta or risotto), *secondi* (main courses), and *dolci* (desserts). When you talk about a restaurant’s menu, you’ll often hear the phrase *menù del giorno* (daily menu). Remember that *menù* stays masculine even though it ends with a vowel sound; never say *la menù*.