Portuguese Phrase
Que tal o italiano?
Meaning
Literally “How about the Italian?”, this phrase is used to propose Italian food, a movie, a class, or any Italian‑themed option. It’s a friendly, informal way to ask someone’s opinion about choosing Italian.
When to use
Use it when you’re deciding what to eat, what activity to do, or which language to practice and you want to suggest the Italian option. It works in casual conversation with friends, family, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quetaloitaliano?
Que tal
A colloquial expression meaning “how about” or “what do you think of”. It introduces a suggestion or alternative.
Definite article o
The masculine singular article that agrees with the noun italiano. It signals a specific idea (the Italian option).
italiano (noun)
Can refer to the Italian language, cuisine, or anything Italian. It is masculine, so it takes the article o.
Question mark
In spoken Portuguese the intonation rises at the end, turning the statement into a polite proposal.
🗨In Conversation
Que tal o italiano?
How about Italian?
Boa ideia! Eu adoro pizza.
Good idea! I love pizza.
✕Common Mistakes
Que tal um italiano?
Using the indefinite article changes the meaning to “a random Italian” instead of proposing the Italian option.
Que tal o italiano?
Do not translate "tal" as "such" here; it functions as part of the idiom "Que tal" meaning "how about".
Que tal a italiana?
If you mean the language, you can also say "o italiano" but avoid mixing gender, e.g., "a italiana" would be wrong for the language.
↔Alternatives
Que acha de italiano?
What do you think of Italian?
Vamos de italiano?
Shall we go with Italian?
E se for italiano?
What if it’s Italian?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "Que tal" is a very informal, friendly way to suggest something. It’s common in everyday speech, especially when ordering food or planning activities. Remember that "italiano" can refer to the cuisine, the language, or even a cultural event, so the context will clarify which meaning you intend.