FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt a PartyPosso portare qualcosa? Cosa ti serve?
A2informal

Posso portare qualcosa? Cosa ti serve?

Can I bring something? What do you need?

Pronunciation

'Portare' = por-TA-re. 'Serve' = SER-ve, stress on first syllable.

When to use it

Use this when you are invited to someone's home. Asking what to bring rather than just bringing something random shows thoughtfulness. Italians deeply appreciate this offer — arriving empty-handed ('a mani vuote') is considered impolite.

What it means

'Servire' in 'cosa ti serve?' means 'to need' (literally 'what serves you?'). This use of 'servire' for need is very common in Italian: 'mi serve aiuto' (I need help), 'non mi serve' (I don't need it). It is different from 'avere bisogno di'.

Variations

Porto una bottiglia di vino, va bene?

I will bring a bottle of wine, is that OK?

Wine is the most classic Italian party contribution

Faccio io il dolce, se vuoi.

I will make the dessert, if you like.

Offering to contribute a homemade dish — very appreciated

Hai bisogno di aiuto per preparare?

Do you need help to prepare?

Offering practical help beyond just bringing something

Mini Dialogue

— Ci vediamo sabato! Posso portare qualcosa? Cosa ti serve? — Sei gentilissimo/a! Porta pure del vino. Rosso o bianco, come vuoi. — Perfetto! Porto un Chianti. Va bene? — Benissimo! Ci vediamo alle otto.

— See you Saturday! Can I bring something? What do you need? — You are very kind! Feel free to bring wine. Red or white, as you like. — Perfect! I will bring a Chianti. Is that OK? — Wonderful! See you at eight.

Cultural Note

Bringing wine, flowers, or a cake ('torta') as a host gift is standard Italian party etiquette. Flowers should avoid chrysanthemums (associated with funerals in Italy) and odd numbers (except thirteen, considered lucky). A bottle of regional wine from your hometown is always a particularly thoughtful gift.