Italian · Food & Drink
"Lunch" in Italian: pranzo
il pranzo
Lunch in Italian is il pranzo (eel PRAHN-tsoh). Fare pranzo means to have lunch. In Italy pranzo is often the main meal, especially on Sundays.
Inviting a colleague
Facciamo pranzo insieme oggi?Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce pranzo
Say it
eel PRAHN-tsoh
/il ˈpran.tso/
Pranzo stresses PRAHN: PRAHN-tsoh. The z is like ts.
"Lunch" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il pranzo | lunch The midday meal. | The midday meal. |
| fare pranzo | to have lunch Usual verb phrase. | Usual verb phrase. |
| pranzo di lavoro | business lunch Work context. | Work context. |
| a pranzo | at lunch / for lunch Time or meal slot. | Time or meal slot. |
How to use pranzo in real life
- 1Inviting a colleague
Facciamo pranzo insieme oggi?
Shall we have lunch together today?
Fare pranzo → facciamo pranzo.
- 2Hotel concierge tip
A pranzo molti posti chiudono alle tre.
At lunch many places close at three.
A pranzo for the lunch period.
- 3Sunday family plan
Il pranzo della domenica è alle due.
Sunday lunch is at two.
Il pranzo della domenica is a cultural fixture.
Mistakes English speakers make with pranzo
Incorrect: Mangio il lunch a casa.
Correct: Faccio pranzo a casa.
Use fare pranzo, not English lunch.
Incorrect: La pranzo è pronto.
Correct: Il pranzo è pronto.
Pranzo is masculine: il pranzo.
Good to know
Pranzo can be long and social, especially on Sundays with family. Offices may take a short break, while trattorie fill from about 12:30. Asking a che ora fate pranzo? helps you catch the kitchen before it closes.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing where to eat midday
ChatPal
Dove facciamo pranzo?
Where shall we have lunch?
You
Un pranzo leggero vicino al museo.
A light lunch near the museum.
ChatPal
Ok: a pranzo provo la pasta del giorno.
Ok: at lunch I'll try the pasta of the day.
You
Io al pranzo prendo solo un'insalata.
At lunch I'll just have a salad.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Lunch" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Lunch" in Italian
How do I say have lunch?
Fare pranzo.
Is pranzo the same as dinner?
No—dinner is cena. Pranzo is midday.
What time is lunch in Italy?
Often starting around 12:30–13:30; kitchens may stop mid-afternoon.
What is pranzo di lavoro?
A work or business lunch.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
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- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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