What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb mangiare (to eat) and the adverb fuori (outside/out).
Which one should you use?
mangiare fuori is the direct antonym of mangiare a casa (eating at home).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase in the present tense, the verb mangiare must be conjugated to match the subject (e.g., mangiamo for 'we'). For example, mangiamo fuori means 'we are eating out' or 'let's eat out'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /manˈdʒa.re ˈfwɔ.ri/. It consists of 5 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
If you are eating out and need to interact with staff, you can use several useful phrases. Use Vorrei fare una prenotazione to say 'I would like to make a reservation' when calling ahead. To ask for the menu, say Posso avere il menu, per favore? When you are ready to order, you can say Vorrei ordinare… To ask for advice on dishes, use Cosa mi consiglia? (What do you recommend?) or Quali sono le specialità della casa? (What are the house specialties?). Finally, when you are finished, you can request the bill by saying Il conto, per favore.
Did you know?
- If you mangiare fuori at a cafe, you might pay a different price for a coffee depending on whether you drink it standing at the bar or sitting at a table.
- The verb mangiare used in this phrase is a linguistic relative of the English word 'masticate'. Both words can be traced back to the Latin mandūcāre, which specifically meant 'to chew'.
- When you mangiare fuori, you may notice a coperto charge on your bill. This is a fixed fee for the service and the bread provided at the table, rather than a percentage-based tip.
Examples in context
- Mi piace mangiare fuori.I enjoy eating out.This sentence uses mangiare fuori to express a general preference.Tatoeba #10829843 by Guybrush88, translation #5975527 by CK
- Ho voglia di mangiare fuori.I feel like eating out.This sentence uses mangiare fuori to express a current desire.Tatoeba #6945368 by Guybrush88, translation #6944240 by CK
- Cucinare a casa è più salutare che mangiare fuori in un ristorante.Cooking at home is healthier than eating out at a restaurant.This sentence uses mangiare fuori to compare dining at a restaurant to cooking at home.Tatoeba #6571241 by Guybrush88, translation #1129528 by Scott
- Vorrei pranzare fuori con i miei colleghi di lavoro.I would like to dine out with my colleagues.
- Ho voglia di andare al ristorante e mangiare una buona pizza.I feel like going to a restaurant and eating a good pizza.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are deciding on dinner plans.
- LorenzoGiulia, ti va di mangiare fuori?Giulia, do you feel like eating out?
- GiuliaSì, mi piacerebbe molto.Yes, I would really like that.
- LorenzoPerfetto, allora prenoto un tavolo.Perfect, then I will book a table.
- GiuliaGrazie, Lorenzo, sei molto gentile.Thanks, Lorenzo, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mangiare, fuori) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fuori, mangiare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
