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Prendo qualche cipolla per la cena.

Prendo qualche cipolla per la cena.
I am taking some onions for dinner.
From Lesson 79:Indefinite adjectives for some (qualche, alcuni)·Italian

Questions & Answers about Prendo qualche cipolla per la cena.

Why does the Italian say cipolla (singular) when the translation says "some onions" (plural)?
This is the most important rule for qualche! Even though it means "some" or "a few", it must always be followed by a singular noun. So, you must say qualche cipolla, never qualche cipolle.
Could I use the other word for "some" (alcuni/e) in this sentence instead?
Yes, you can! However, unlike qualche, alcuni and alcune must be followed by a plural noun. Since cipolla is a feminine word, you would use alcune cipolle. Both qualche cipolla and alcune cipolle mean the exact same thing.
Why is prendo translated as "I am taking" instead of just "I take"?
The Italian present tense (prendo) translates to both "I take" and "I am taking" in English. The context here (like making a choice at a grocery store or kitchen) makes "I am taking" the most natural translation.
Why do we need the article la in per la cena? In English we just say "for dinner."
Italian generally uses definite articles (il, la, etc.) in front of meals, especially after prepositions. So while we say "for dinner" or "for breakfast" in English, Italians say per la cena (literally "for the dinner") or per la colazione.

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