Breakdown of Prendo tre etti di tacchino e del pane.
e
and
di
of, from
tre
three
prendere
to take
il pane
the bread
dello
some (partitive article; also dell', dei, degli, delle)
l'etto
the 100 grams (m)
il tacchino
the turkey
Questions & Answers about Prendo tre etti di tacchino e del pane.
Why do we use the partitive article del for the bread, but only di for the turkey?
Because the turkey has a specific quantity attached to it. Tre etti (three hectograms) is an exact measurement, so it is followed by the simple preposition di (of). The bread has an unspecified quantity, so we use the partitive article del (di + il) to mean 'some'.
What is an etto and is it common to order food this way?
Could I say un po' di pane instead of del pane?
The English translation says 'I'll take', so why is the verb in the present tense (prendo) instead of the future?
In Italian, the present tense is heavily used for actions happening in the immediate future or for decisions being made in the moment. When ordering food or drinks, using the present tense prendo is the standard and most natural way to say 'I'll take' or 'I'll have'.
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