When it comes to dining out or discussing food in Italian, it is essential to know how to express the concept of “mains” or the main course. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “mains” in Italian, including formal and informal phrases. While there might be regional variations due to the rich diversity of Italian cuisine, we will focus on widely recognized terms. Let’s dive in and explore the world of Italian main courses!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Mains” in Italian
When you want to express “mains” formally in Italian, you can use the following phrases:
- “Secondo Piatto” – This is the most common way to refer to the main course in Italian cuisine, especially in formal settings. It directly translates to “second dish” in English, emphasizing its position after the first course or “primo piatto.”
- “Portata Principale” – This phrase translates to “main course” and is often used in more formal or professional contexts. It carries a slightly more formal tone compared to “secondo piatto” and is commonly used in restaurants or culinary discussions.
- “Piatto Forte” – Literally meaning “strong dish,” this phrase is used to convey the idea of a substantial or substantial main course. Although it is less commonly used, it can add a touch of sophistication to your language when discussing Italian cuisine.
Informal Ways to Say “Mains” in Italian
If you’re in a more relaxed or informal setting, you can use the following phrases to refer to the main course:
- “Secondo” – This is a shortened version of “secondo piatto” and is widely used in everyday conversations. It is a casual way to refer to the main course and is commonly understood across Italy.
- “Piatto Principale” – While “portata principale” is more formal, “piatto principale” brings a more friendly and informal tone. It is typically used in everyday language and casual discussions about food.
- “Piatto Forte” – Just like in the formal context, “piatto forte” can also be used informally to convey the idea of a substantial main course. This phrase adds a touch of elegance to your language, even in an informal setting.
Regional Variations
Italian cuisine varies regionally, and you might come across different terms to refer to the main course. While the options mentioned above are widely understood throughout Italy, some regional variations include:
- “Secondo Piatto” – In certain regions, including Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, people might use the term “secondo piatto” in a more general sense, referring to both meat and fish dishes that follow the first course.
- “Piatto di Mezzo” – In some parts of Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, the term “piatto di mezzo” is used to indicate the main course, which is often meat-based. It translates to “dish in the middle” in English.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you better understand how to use these phrases:
Tips:
- When dining out, it’s common to order a “primo piatto” (first course), followed by a “secondo piatto” (main course).
- Italian meals often include a side dish called “contorno” that typically accompanies the main course.
- In more informal settings, you can simply refer to the main course by its specific name, such as “pollo arrosto” (roast chicken) or “lasagna.”
Examples:
- Formal: Il secondo piatto di oggi è branzino al forno. (Today’s main course is oven-baked sea bass.)
- Informal: Vorrei ordinare il secondo, il filetto di manzo. (I would like to order the main course, the beef fillet.)
- Formal: La portata principale della cena sarà un guazzetto di pesce. (The main course for dinner will be a fish stew.)
- Informal: Oggi cucino io, farò un piatto principale di pasta alle melanzane. (I’m cooking today, I’ll make a main course of pasta with eggplant.)
Remember to adapt these phrases according to your specific context, whether formal or informal, to ensure effective communication in Italian.
Now armed with these phrases and examples, you are ready to confidently navigate the world of Italian main courses. Buon appetito!
