Italian Phrase
Il cibo è pronto da mangiare?
Meaning
Literally, 'Is the food ready to eat?'. The speaker is asking whether the meal has been prepared and can be served. It can be used in a family kitchen, at a restaurant, or when checking a catering order.
When to use
Use this question when you want to confirm that a dish is finished and can be served, especially before setting the table or inviting guests to start eating.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilciboèprontodamangiare
Il (definite article)
Masculine singular definite article; agrees with the noun 'cibo'.
cibo (noun)
Masculine singular noun meaning 'food'.
è (essere)
Third‑person singular present of 'essere' (to be).
pronto (adjective)
Adjective meaning 'ready'; must agree in gender and number with 'cibo' (masculine singular).
da + infinitive
The construction 'da + infinitive' expresses purpose or suitability, similar to English 'to be … to …'.
mangiare (infinitive)
Infinitive of the verb 'mangiare' (to eat).
🗨In Conversation
Il cibo è pronto da mangiare?
Is the food ready to eat?
Sì, ho appena finito di cuocere la pasta.
Yes, I just finished cooking the pasta.
✕Common Mistakes
Il cibo è pronto a mangiare?
This phrase describes a person who is ready to eat, not the food itself.
Il cibo è pronta da mangiare?
The adjective must agree with the masculine noun 'cibo'.
Il cibo pronto da mangiare?
Missing the verb 'è' makes the sentence ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Il cibo è pronto?
Is the food ready?
Il cibo è pronto per essere mangiato?
Is the food ready to be eaten?
È pronto da mangiare?
Is it ready to eat?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, meals are often served all together, so asking if the food is 'pronto da mangiare' shows respect for the host’s timing. Avoid using 'pronto a mangiare' when referring to food, because that construction usually describes a person who is ready to eat.