una birra, per favore
/ˈu.na ˈbir.ra per faˈvo.re/word by word
The English phrase "a beer, please" is translated into Italian as una birra, per favore.
This phrase is a polite way to request a serving of beer from a server.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of una (a/one), birra (beer) and per favore (for favor/please).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun birra is feminine, the feminine indefinite article una is used instead of the masculine un.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈu.na ˈbir.ra per faˈvo.re/. It consists of 6 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If you are ordering a large beer, you might encounter the word bionda, which literally means 'blonde', a common way to describe lighter lagers in Italy.
- Ordering una birra at a 'bar' in Italy is different from an English 'bar', as an Italian 'bar' is primarily a coffee shop that serves alcohol in the evenings.
- While you might expect the word for 'beer' to be Italian, birra is actually a linguistic guest from German, specifically the word 'Bier'.
Examples in context
- Vorrei una birra, per favore.I would like a beer, please.
- Per me una birra, per favore.A beer for me, please.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are at a bar.
- FrancescoCiao! Una birra, per favore.Hi! A beer, please.
- MartinaCerto, quale preferisci?Sure, which one do you prefer?
- FrancescoUna bionda, grazie.A lager, thanks.
- MartinaEcco a te, Francesco.Here you go, Francesco.
