cioccolata calda
Hot chocolate in Italian is cioccolata calda.
cioccolata calda refers to a warm drink made from cocoa or melted chocolate and milk. If you want to specify how it is served, you can say con panna to mean with whipped cream or senza panna to mean without whipped cream.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cioccolata (chocolate) and calda (hot).
Which one should you use?
In Italian, cioccolata specifically refers to the drink, whereas cioccolato usually refers to the solid food like a chocolate bar or candy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because cioccolata is a feminine noun, the definite article la and the adjective calda must both be in the feminine form. When ordering a single serving, use the feminine indefinite article una in the phrase una cioccolata calda.
Did you know?
- While English speakers often use 'hot chocolate' to mean a light cocoa drink, in Italy, a cioccolata calda is often a thick, almost pudding-like consistency that is eaten with a spoon.
- The Italian word cioccolato shares a common ancestor with the Aztec word xocolātl, which referred to a bitter, frothy drink made from cacao.
- While the drink is enjoyed year-round, it is most culturally associated with the winter months and is a staple of the merenda, the traditional afternoon snack.
Examples in context
- Amo la cioccolata calda.I love hot chocolate.This sentence shows how to express a personal preference for cioccolata calda.Tatoeba #13297529 by Guybrush88, translation #13216002 by frpzzd
- Ti piace la cioccolata calda?Do you like hot chocolate?This sentence is a way to ask if someone likes cioccolata calda.Tatoeba #10154314 by Guybrush88, translation #10050862 by ddnktr
- Chi vuole una cioccolata calda?Who wants some hot chocolate?This sentence is useful for asking who would like to have cioccolata calda.Tatoeba #379726 by Pharamp, translation #1706 by CK
- Buongiorno, vorrei una tazza di cioccolata calda, per favore.Good morning, I would like a cup of hot chocolate, please.
- Mi porti una tazza di cioccolata calda, per cortesia?Could you bring me a cup of hot chocolate, please?
- Mi prendi una cioccolata golosa, per favore?Can you get me a delicious hot chocolate, please?
- Vorrei una bella cioccolata calda da gustare insieme.I would like a great hot chocolate to enjoy together.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are at a cozy cafe on a cold day.
- SofiaPrendo una cioccolata calda, grazie.I'll have a hot chocolate, thank you.
- FrancescoAnche per me una cioccolata calda.A hot chocolate for me too.
- SofiaÈ perfetta per questo freddo.It is perfect for this cold weather.
- FrancescoSì, è molto buona.Yes, it is very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cioccolata calda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
