Learn Hardcore Italian: Compra del cioccolato per il dessert, per favore.

Compra is the imperative form of the verb comprare, meaning “to buy.” In this sentence, it is used as a direct command addressed informally (singular), instructing someone to buy chocolate.

Why is the partitive article del used before cioccolato instead of just using cioccolato?

The use of del (a contraction of di + il) creates a partitive expression, which indicates an unspecified quantity—essentially meaning “some chocolate.” This shows that the command isn’t for all the chocolate available, but rather for a portion, similar to how we say “buy some chocolate” in English.

What is the function of the phrase per il dessert in the sentence?

The phrase per il dessert is a prepositional phrase meaning “for dessert.” It specifies the purpose for which the chocolate is to be bought, indicating that the chocolate will be used during the dessert course.

How does per favore function in this command, and does its placement affect the meaning?

Per favore means “please” and is a politeness marker. Placing it at the end of the sentence softens the command, making it more courteous. Although it is common to use it at the end, its position can sometimes be flexible without significantly altering the meaning.

Are there any alternative ways to express this command in Italian?

Yes, there are several alternatives. For example, one might omit the partitive article entirely and say "Compra cioccolato per il dessert, per favore" if the context makes the quantity clear. Alternatively, you could substitute dessert with the Italian word dolce (i.e., "Compra del cioccolato per il dolce, per favore"). Also, note that negative commands use a different form, such as "Non comprare cioccolato" for “don’t buy chocolate.”