Italian · Food & Drink
"Dessert" in Italian: dolce
il dolce
Dessert in Italian is il dolce (eel DOHL-cheh), masculine. On menus you see i dolci. Asking Vuoi un dolce? means want dessert?
At a restaurant
Per me il dolce, grazie: tiramisù.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce dolce
Say it
eel DOHL-cheh
/ˈdol.tʃe/
Dolce stresses DOHL: DOHL-cheh. Soft ch like check.
"Dessert" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il dolce | the dessert One dessert course. | One dessert course. |
| un dolce | a dessert Ordering one. | Ordering one. |
| i dolci | the desserts / sweets Menu section. | Menu section. |
| menù dei dolci | dessert menu Asking in a restaurant. | Asking in a restaurant. |
How to use dolce in real life
- 1At a restaurant
Per me il dolce, grazie: tiramisù.
Dessert for me, please: tiramisù.
Il dolce as the course.
- 2Home dinner
Ho preparato un dolce con le pere.
I made a dessert with pears.
Un dolce for something sweet to finish.
- 3Sharing
Prendiamo due dolci da dividere?
Shall we get two desserts to share?
I/due dolci plural.
Mistakes English speakers make with dolce
Incorrect: Voglio la dessert.
Correct: Voglio il dolce.
Use il dolce, not English dessert.
Incorrect: Questo caffè è un dolce.
Correct: Questo caffè è dolce.
Adjective dolce means sweet; the dessert noun needs article: un/il dolce.
Good to know
Italians may skip a heavy dolce and end with fruit or a digestivo. Still, refusing once is polite; offering again is hospitality.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
End of a trattoria meal
ChatPal
Prendi il dolce o solo un caffè?
Are you getting dessert or just a coffee?
You
Il dolce: voglio la panna cotta.
Dessert: I want the panna cotta.
ChatPal
Allora prendo un dolce al cioccolato io.
Then I'll get a chocolate dessert.
You
Perfetto, così assaggiamo entrambi.
Perfect, so we can taste both.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Dessert" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Dessert" in Italian
Is dolce only dessert?
As a noun with article, yes. As an adjective it means sweet.
How do I ask for the dessert menu?
Il menù dei dolci, per favore.
What is the plural?
I dolci.
Is torta the same as dolce?
Torta is a cake; dolce is the broader dessert category.
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
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