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PhrasesDietary RestrictionsSenza uova, per favore.
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Senza uova, per favore.

Without eggs, please.

Pronunciation

WOH-vah — 'uo' is a diphthong, lips round then open. 'Senza' = SEHN-tsah.

When to use it

Use when ordering pasta, sauces, or desserts. Fresh Italian pasta often contains eggs, unlike dried pasta. Mention this early in the ordering process.

What it means

'Senza' means 'without' and is followed directly by the noun without an article. This is a simple, effective formula: 'senza + food item'. Uova (eggs) is a plural noun with an irregular singular: 'uovo'.

Variations

Non mangio uova.

I don't eat eggs.

Statement of restriction rather than a request.

La pasta è all'uovo?

Is the pasta egg-based?

Checking if fresh pasta contains eggs.

Avete pasta senza uova?

Do you have egg-free pasta?

Request for alternative pasta type.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Senza uova, per favore. Sono allergica. Cameriere: La pasta fresca contiene uova. Preferisce pasta secca? Cliente: Sì, per favore. Cameriere: Benissimo, la facciamo con pasta di semola.

Client: Without eggs, please. I'm allergic. Waiter: Fresh pasta contains eggs. Would you prefer dried pasta? Client: Yes, please. Waiter: Very good, we'll make it with semolina pasta.

Cultural Note

In Italian cuisine, 'pasta all'uovo' (egg pasta) like tagliatelle and pappardelle is considered superior in quality. Dried pasta (pasta secca) made only with semolina and water is the egg-free alternative.