portate principali
The English word 'mains' is translated into Italian as portate principali.
This follows the primo piatto, which is the first course.
Meaning: domestic electrical supply (noun)
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'mains' for electricity, Italians use rete, which literally means 'net'. This frames the electrical supply as a giant spiderweb of connectivity rather than a pipe or line.
- The word portata originates from portare, meaning 'to carry'. It focuses on the physical action of the waiter bringing the food to the table rather than the content of the dish itself.
- If you order a secondo as your main course, you will notice the plate is often bare. Unlike in English-speaking countries, the contorno or side dish is almost always ordered as a separate item.
Examples in context
- La portata principale della cena sarà un guazzetto di pesce.The main course for dinner will be a fish stew.
- 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.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are discussing a power outage at home.
- LorenzoChiara, è saltata la corrente nelle portate principali.Chiara, the power has gone out in the mains.
- ChiaraHai controllato il quadro elettrico, Lorenzo?Did you check the electrical panel, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoSì, ma le portate principali non danno segno di vita.Yes, but the mains aren't showing any signs of life.
- ChiaraAllora dobbiamo chiamare subito un elettricista.Then we need to call an electrician immediately.
