alla
/ˈal.la/
alla is the Italian phrase for "to the".
While it literally means "to the", alla is frequently used in culinary contexts to indicate that a dish is prepared in the style or manner of a specific region, person or method.
What does it mean word for word?
The word alla is a contraction of the preposition a (to/at) and the feminine singular article la (the).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of this phrase changes depending on the noun it describes. For feminine plural nouns, use alle. If you are describing a feminine singular noun that begins with a vowel, alla is elided to all’.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈal.la/. The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase alla faccia di is used as an exclamation of irony or defiance, similar to saying 'despite' or 'to the face of'.
- In the phrase alla buona, alla is used to describe something done in a rustic, rough or makeshift way.
- The expression alla cieca literally means 'to the blind' but is used to describe doing something blindly or without knowing the outcome.
Examples in context
- Prenderò i rigatoni alla siciliana con la pasta senza glutine.I'll have the Rigatoni alla Siciliana with the gluten-free pasta.This sentence is useful for seeing how alla is used to describe a culinary style.Tatoeba #13112275 by Guybrush88, translation #6581334 by Eccles17
- Pasta alla CarbonaraCarbonara style pasta
- Ballare alla Michael JacksonTo dance like Michael Jackson
- Lettera alla mia amicaLetter to my friend
- Vino alla franceseWine in the French style
- Fare all'americanaTo do something the American way
- Andare all'infernoTo go to hell
- Mangiare alla buonaTo eat simply
- Questo gelato è alla fragola.This ice cream is strawberry flavored.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are at an Italian restaurant ordering food.
- SofiaCosa prendi di solito, Matteo?What do you usually get, Matteo?
- MatteoPrendo sempre la pizza alla marinara.I always get the marinara pizza.
- SofiaAllora io ordino un risotto alla milanese.Then I will order a saffron risotto.
- MatteoOttima scelta, Sofia!Great choice, Sofia!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
