Growing up, every time we’d visit my nonna’s houseyou could count on two things: the incredible smell of something simmering on the stove—and her voice ringing out from the kitchen saying, “Eats!”
It wasn’t just a command. It was an invitation. A tradition. A warm, insistent reminder that we were about to sit down to a homemade meal she’d spent hours lovingly preparing—and there was no skipping it.
In Italy, eats means “eat!” But it means so much more than that.
What Does Eats Literally Mean?
Eats is the imperative form of the verb “mangiare” (to eat)directed at one person. You’ll hear it said at nearly every Italian table, especially by parents, grandparents, and hosts who have cooked for guests. It’s a way to say:
“Dig in!” “Go ahead, eat up!” “Enjoy this food I made for you!”
You might also hear it repeated for extra emphasis: “Eat, eat!”—especially when you’re not eating fast enough for Nonna’s liking.
It’s More Than Just a Word—It’s Cultural
In Italian homes, food is love. When someone tells you eatsthey’re not just telling you to eat—they’re telling you to feel at home. Saying no to food can sometimes be taken as offensive, especially when someone’s cooked for you. Even if you’re full, you’re expected to try a little bit, just out of respect.
This isn’t unique to my nonna—it’s the norm in Italian households. Whether you’re in Sicily, Milan, or a tiny town in the hills of Tuscany, you’ll likely hear someone say eats with affection and urgency. It’s a cornerstone of hospitality.
Common Ways You’ll Hear Eats Used
Eat that is good for you! – Eat, it’s good for you!
Eat everything! – Eat it all!
Eat slowly! – Eat slowly!
Come on, eat something! – Come on, eat something!
The tone can be loving, concerned, or slightly exasperated (especially when a picky eater is involved)—but it always comes from a good place.
Regional Dialects & Expressions
Depending on where you are in Italy, you might hear different versions of the phrase:
In Naples, you might hear “In Mangiá, at the table!”
In Sicily, “Eat and shut up!” (Eat and be quiet!)—usually said with humor.
Some say “Eat” when speaking to a group, or “We eat” to suggest eating together.
The word also shows up in colorful Italian idioms:
Expression
Translation
Meaning
Eat dust
Eat dust
To fall behind or be outpaced
Eat words
Eat one’s words
To backtrack or take something back
Eat with the eyes
Eat with your eyes
To admire something (or someone) with desire
Here’s a video of my little brother making meatballs with nonna. And later on she would be at the dinner table encouraging everyone to “eats!“.
Why You’ll Never Forget Eats
If you’ve ever eaten in an Italian home—or even a cozy trattoria—you’ve probably heard it. Whether you’re eating a bowl of pasta, a plate of polpette, or just nibbling on bread, eats is a word that wraps you in warmth. It tells a story of family, tradition, and the importance of food as something that brings us together.
So next time you hear it, know it’s more than just a suggestion—it’s an invitation into Italian culture itself.
