Italian · Food & Drink
"Beer" in Italian: birra
la birra
Beer in Italian is la birra (BEER-rah), a feminine noun. At a bar you often order una birra or name the size: una media. Craft bottles and tap beer both use the same word.
At an aperitivo bar
Prendo una birra media, grazie.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce birra
Say it
BEER-rah
/ˈbir.ra/
Birra stresses BEER: BEER-rah. Double r is a quick trill. Keep both syllables short.
"Beer" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la birra | beer Default noun with the article. | Default noun with the article. |
| una birra | a beer Common order at a bar or restaurant. | Common order at a bar or restaurant. |
| una media | a medium draft beer Size shorthand many bars understand. | Size shorthand many bars understand. |
| birra alla spina | draft beer Beer from the tap. | Beer from the tap. |
How to use birra in real life
- 1At an aperitivo bar
Prendo una birra media, grazie.
I'll take a medium beer, thanks.
Media names the glass size with birra understood.
- 2Choosing on a menu
Preferisci vino o birra stasera?
Do you prefer wine or beer tonight?
Birra without the article in a short choice list.
- 3Picnic packing
Metto due lattine di birra nel frigo.
I'm putting two cans of beer in the fridge.
Di birra after the container noun.
Mistakes English speakers make with birra
Incorrect: Il birra è fredda.
Correct: La birra è fredda.
Birra is feminine: la birra, fredda.
Incorrect: Vorrei un birra.
Correct: Vorrei una birra.
Feminine noun needs una, not un.
Good to know
Beer is common at aperitivo and with pizza, though wine still leads many dinners. In the north you hear more craft and German-style taps; in the south a cold media with friends is everyday social glue.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Ordering drinks before pizza in Milan
ChatPal
Io prendo una birra. Tu?
I'll have a beer. You?
You
Anche io una birra, ma piccola.
Same for me, a beer, but a small one.
ChatPal
Ok. Chiedo due birre alla spina.
Ok. I'll ask for two draft beers.
You
Perfetto, la birra qui è sempre buona.
Perfect, the beer here is always good.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Beer" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Beer" in Italian
Is birra masculine or feminine?
Feminine: la birra, una birra, due birre.
What is una media?
A medium glass of draft beer. Bars often understand media without repeating birra.
How do I say draft beer?
Birra alla spina. Bottled is birra in bottiglia.
How do I pronounce birra?
BEER-rah, with a rolled double r and stress on the first syllable.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
