Question 1

Why is prendiamo translated as "we are having"? Doesn't it mean "we take"?

Accepted Answer

Yes, prendere literally means "to take." But in Italian, just like in English, you use it when talking about consuming food and drinks. Saying prendiamo l'aperitivo is the most natural way to say "we are having an aperitif" or "we are getting a drink."

Question 2

Why does the sentence use the present tense (prendiamo) for something happening tonight?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, you can often use the present tense to talk about the near future or fixed plans. It is very similar to saying "we are having" in English instead of "we will have." Since stasera (tonight) is coming up soon, the present tense is perfect here.

Question 3

Is stasera just one word?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is written as one word, but it actually comes from mashing together questa (this) and sera (evening). You will also see this exact same pattern with the word stamattina (this morning).

Question 4

Why is it in piazza and not nella piazza (in the square)?

Accepted Answer

Certain common locations in a town take the preposition in all by itself, without any "the" article attached to it. You will see this with in piazza (in the square), in banca (at the bank), and in pizzeria (at the pizzeria). You generally only add the article if you are describing a specific square, like nella piazza principale (in the main square).

Stasera prendiamo l'aperitivo in piazza.

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