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PhrasesSmall TalkChe cosa mangi a pranzo oggi?
A1informal

Che cosa mangi a pranzo oggi?

What are you having for lunch today?

Pronunciation

'Pranzo' = PRAN-tso — two syllables. 'Oggi' = OJ-jee — the double 'g' gives a soft sound. Both words have stress on the first syllable.

When to use it

Perfect midday workplace small talk in Italy. Food conversation is always welcome — asking about lunch shows social engagement and can lead to spontaneous invitations to eat together.

What it means

'A pranzo' = 'for lunch' — 'a' is the preposition used with meal names. 'Oggi' (today) makes it specific. 'Mangi' is the tu-form of 'mangiare.' This is A1-level vocabulary with completely natural conversational application.

Variations

Vuoi mangiare insieme oggi?

Do you want to eat together today?

Takes the conversation further — a direct but friendly invitation.

Hai portato il pranzo da casa?

Did you bring lunch from home?

Common workplace question — many Italians bring homemade lunch.

Andiamo fuori a mangiare?

Shall we go out to eat?

Spontaneous lunch invitation — very natural in Italian work culture.

Mini Dialogue

— Che cosa mangi a pranzo oggi? — Ho portato gli avanzi della pasta di ieri. E tu? — Vado al bar qui sotto. Vuoi venire? — Perché no! Dammi cinque minuti.

— What are you having for lunch today? — I brought leftover pasta from yesterday. You? — I'm going to the bar downstairs. Do you want to come? — Why not! Give me five minutes.

Cultural Note

The Italian 'bar' (different from English 'bar') serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and often full lunch menus. Going to the bar downstairs for a quick lunch is a beloved Italian workplace ritual that doubles as social time.