bevi
The English phrase 'you drink' is translated into Italian as bevi.
The term is used to express the action of drinking in the second person singular present tense. In an informal context, you can simply say Bevi? to ask someone about their drinking habits.
Which one should you use?
The form bevi is used to mean 'you drink' (singular and informal), whereas the form beve means 'he/she drinks'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Italy, it is common to use Voi bevete to address a single person as a sign of respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form bevi is the second person singular present tense, which is used when addressing one person informally.
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'drinking' in the sense of being intoxicated, Italians use the phrase essere brillo, which literally means 'to be bright'.
- The word bevi comes from the Latin bibere. This is the same root that gave English the word 'imbibe'.
- While bevi refers to the act of drinking, the Italian expression bere a sbafo means to drink for free, often by tricking someone or relying on a friend's tab.
Examples in context
- Tu bevi del tè.You drink tea.This sentence demonstrates the use of bevi in a statement.Tatoeba #2696942 by Guybrush88, translation #20123 by fishda
- Tu bevi del tè?Do you drink tea?This sentence shows how to ask a question using bevi.Tatoeba #3378772 by Guybrush88, translation #3378237 by Jesse
- Non bevi il tè?Don't you drink tea?This sentence shows how to use bevi in a negative question.Tatoeba #13323965 by Guybrush88, translation #11931317 by CK
- Buongiorno, Signora Rossi. Lei beve vino rosso o bianco?Good morning, Mrs. Rossi. Do you drink red or white wine?
- Mi scusi, Dottore. Lei assume alcolici regolarmente?Excuse me, Doctor. Do you consume alcohol regularly?
- Signore, Lei sorseggia il suo tè con grazia.Sir, you sip your tea with grace.
- Sai, Giulia, tu bevi sempre birra e io bevo vino.You know, Giulia, you always drink beer while I drink wine.
- Ragazzi, voi bevete troppa acqua gassata!Guys, you all drink too much sparkling water!
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are at a cafe.
- MartinaMatteo, bevi solo il caffè?Matteo, do you only drink coffee?
- MatteoSì, non mi piace l'acqua.Yes, I don't like water.
- MartinaMa devi idratarti!But you must hydrate!
- MatteoLo so, lo comprerò dopo.I know, I will buy it later.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
