secondo piatto
/seˈkon.do ˈpjat.to/word by word
The English phrase "main course" is translated into Italian as secondo piatto.
secondo piatto refers to the main dish of a meal. In casual conversation or when ordering at a restaurant, Italians often shorten the phrase to just secondo.
Meaning: main dish of a meal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally means "second dish", referring to the course that follows the first course.
Which one should you use?
In a traditional Italian meal, the secondo piatto follows the primo piatto (the first course, which is typically pasta, risotto or soup). The plural form is secondi piatti, which is used when referring to multiple main dishes or a specific section of a menu.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /seˈkon.do ˈpjat.to/.
Did you know?
- While secondo piatto is the main course, it is traditionally served without any pasta or rice, as those belong in the primo piatto. Pairing them on one plate is often seen as a departure from classic Italian dining etiquette.
- The word piatto derives from the Ancient Greek word platús, which means 'broad' or 'flat'. This describes the physical shape of the dish itself.
- The secondo piatto is almost always accompanied by a contorno, which is a side dish of vegetables or salad served on a separate plate or alongside the meat.
Examples in context
- La pasta era buonissima, ma non vedo l'ora di assaggiare il secondo!The first course was delicious, but I can't wait to taste the main course.
- Il piatto forte di questa cena è l'arrosto di agnello.The main attraction of this dinner is the roast lamb.
- Il secondo piatto è molto buono.The main course is very good.
- Preferisci il secondo piatto di carne o di pesce?Do you prefer the main course to be meat or fish?
- Dopo il primo, arriva subito il secondo piatto.After the first course, the main course arrives immediately.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are ordering food at a restaurant.
- MartinaHai già scelto il secondo piatto, Matteo?Have you chosen the main course yet, Matteo?
- MatteoSì, voglio la bistecca ai ferri.Yes, I want the grilled steak.
- MartinaOttima scelta, io prendo il pollo.Great choice, I'll have the chicken.
- MatteoAllora ordiniamo subito!Let's order right away then!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (secondo, piatto) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries piatto, secondo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
