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PhrasesAt the BarPortateci due birre quando potete.
B1informal

Portateci due birre quando potete.

Bring us two beers when you can.

Pronunciation

por-ta-TE-ci — four syllables, stress on third. 'Ci' = to us.

When to use it

When ordering a round of beers without urgency — a casual, polite request that acknowledges the bar staff may be busy.

What it means

'Portateci' is the imperative of 'portare' (to bring) with 'ci' (to us). 'Quando potete' (when you can) softens the imperative and shows consideration for busy staff. This phrasing is characteristically Italian — direct but not demanding.

Variations

Quando avete un momento, due gin tonic.

When you have a moment, two gin and tonics.

Alternative — 'quando avete un momento' (when you have a moment) is the standard polite softener

Non c'è fretta — due Spritz.

There is no hurry — two Spritzes.

'Non c'è fretta' (no hurry) — explicitly non-urgent, appreciated by busy bartenders

Ripetiamo il giro.

Another round, please.

'Ripetiamo il giro' = we'll repeat the round — natural way to order the same again

Mini Dialogue

— Portateci due birre quando potete. — Subito! Media o grande? — Due medie, grazie. — Eccole! Salute!

— Bring us two beers when you can. — Right away! Medium or large? — Two mediums, please. — Here you go! Cheers!

Cultural Note

The Italian toast 'Salute!' (health!) is the standard glass-raising phrase. Equivalent to 'Cheers!' in English. Other toasts: 'Cin cin!' (clink clink — onomatopoeic), 'Alla salute!' (to health!), or simply 'Salute!' accompanied by eye contact — crucial in Italian toast etiquette.