tavolo da pranzo
/ˈta.vo.lo da ˈpran.d͡zo/
The English phrase "dinner table" is tavolo da pranzo in Italian.
Although the word pranzo often specifically refers to lunch, the phrase tavolo da pranzo is the standard term for a dining table used for both lunch and dinner.
Meaning: table on which dinner is served (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tavolo (table) and da pranzo (for lunch or dinner/for the meal).
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, only the noun changes: tavoli da pranzo means "dinner tables".
How do you pronounce it?
It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While tavolo da pranzo is for dining, the word tavola is often used instead when the table is already set with food, such as in the expression a tavola, meaning 'to the table'.
- The word pranzo comes from the Latin prandium, which originally referred to a mid-morning snack or a light lunch rather than a main meal.
- If you were to describe the act of setting the table, Italians might use the verb apparecchiare, a word that focuses on the preparation rather than the table itself.
Examples in context
- Ehi, questo è stato appoggiato sul tavolo da pranzo tutto il giorno? Deve andare in frigorifero o andrà a male.Hey, has this been sitting out on the dinner table all day? It has to go in the refrigerator or it'll go bad.The example is useful for seeing how to use tavolo da pranzo when discussing food safety and storage.Tatoeba #8424291 by Guybrush88, translation #31048 by CM
- La tavola da pranzo è splendidamente apparecchiata.The dinner table is beautifully set.
- Il tavolo da pranzo è molto grande.The dinner table is very large.
- Devi apparecchiare il tavolo da pranzo.You must set the dinner table.
Example conversation
A couple is preparing for a guest arriving for dinner.
- LorenzoChiara, puoi pulire il tavolo da pranzo?Chiara, can you clean the dinner table?
- ChiaraSì, Lorenzo, lo faccio subito.Yes, Lorenzo, I will do it right away.
- LorenzoGrazie, così possiamo apparecchiare per l'ospite.Thanks, so we can set the table for the guest.
- ChiaraVa bene, ho già preso le posate.Okay, I have already grabbed the cutlery.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tavolo da pranzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, pranzo, tavolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
