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PhrasesDietary RestrictionsEvito lo zucchero.
A2

Evito lo zucchero.

I avoid sugar.

Pronunciation

DZOOK-keh-ro — 'z' in Italian is often 'dz' sound. Double 'cc' = sustained 'k'. Three syllables.

When to use it

Use when diabetic or following a low-sugar diet. Particularly useful when ordering desserts, juices, and some sauces that may contain hidden sugar.

What it means

'Evito' comes from 'evitare' (to avoid) — first person singular. 'Lo zucchero' uses the masculine definite article 'lo' (used before 'z' and 's + consonant'). This is more general than saying 'senza zucchero' in a dish.

Variations

Sono diabetico/diabetica.

I am diabetic.

Medical context — triggers more serious attention from staff.

Senza zucchero aggiunto.

Without added sugar.

More precise — specifying no sugar is added, not that none exists naturally.

Avete dolci senza zucchero?

Do you have sugar-free desserts?

Asking specifically about dessert options.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Evito lo zucchero. Il tiramisù è molto dolce? Cameriere: Sì, contiene zucchero e mascarpone dolce. Cliente: E il formaggio con le noci? Cameriere: Quello non ha zucchero aggiunto. È naturalmente salato.

Client: I avoid sugar. Is the tiramisù very sweet? Waiter: Yes, it contains sugar and sweet mascarpone. Client: And the cheese with walnuts? Waiter: That has no added sugar. It's naturally savory.

Cultural Note

Italian desserts (dolci) vary greatly in sweetness. Panna cotta can be made with little sugar, while cannoli are very sweet. Cheese plates (formaggi) are an elegant sugar-free end to an Italian meal.