How to Say Anchovies in Italian

Are you a fan of Italian cuisine or planning to visit Italy? Knowing how to say anchovies in Italian can come in handy. Anchovies are a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes, so it’s important to learn the correct Italian terms to order or discuss them. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say anchovies in Italian, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say Anchovies in Italian

If you’re in a formal setting or wish to speak formally, here are some phrases you can use to say anchovies in Italian:

1. Acciughe

Acciughe is the most common and formal way to say anchovies in Italian. This term is widely understood across Italy and used in various regions.

Example: Vorrei una pizza con acciughe, per favore. (I would like a pizza with anchovies, please.)

2. Alici

Alici is another formal term for anchovies in Italian. It is commonly used in regions like Calabria and Sicily.

Example: Potete mettere delle alici nell’insalata? (Can you put some anchovies in the salad?)

Informal Ways to Say Anchovies in Italian

If you’re in an informal setting or having a casual conversation with friends or family, you may use these more colloquial expressions:

1. Acciughe

Acciughe, the same term used formally, can also be used in informal contexts. Italians often stick with the same word, regardless of the setting. It’s a versatile term suitable for any situation.

Example: Mi piace molto la pizza con le acciughe. (I really like pizza with anchovies.)

2. Alice

Alice is a slang term commonly used by younger Italians or in more relaxed conversations. It’s a more affectionate and informal way to say anchovies.

Example: Passami un po’ di pasta con l’alice, per favore. (Pass me some pasta with anchovies, please.)

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you confidently use the term for anchovies in Italian:

1. Pay Attention to Gender

In Italian, nouns have a gender (masculine or feminine). Acciughe, alici, and alice are all feminine nouns. When using them in a sentence, make sure to match the gender with the appropriate article and adjectives.

Example: Ho comprato delle buone acciughe al mercato. (I bought some good anchovies at the market.)

2. Usage in Italian Cuisine

Anchovies play an essential role in Italian cuisine, and you’ll find them in various traditional dishes. They are often used in pasta sauces like Pasta alla Puttanesca, pizza toppings, and as a flavor enhancer in salads, stews, and more.

Example: La pasta alla puttanesca è un piatto famoso che contiene acciughe. (Pasta alla Puttanesca is a famous dish that contains anchovies.)

3. Common Ingredient Combinations

Knowing the ingredients commonly paired with anchovies can be useful. Here are some popular combinations:

• Pizza with anchovies, capers, and olives – Pizza con acciughe, capperi e olive
• Green beans and anchovies salad – Insalata di fagiolini e acciughe
• Spaghetti with anchovies and breadcrumbs – Spaghetti con acciughe e pangrattato

Regional Variations

While the terms mentioned above are widely understood across Italy, it’s worth noting some regional variations:

1. Sarde

In some parts of Sardinia, the term sarde is used to refer to anchovies. Locals might use this term instead of acciughe or alici.

2. Panittas

In Calabria, panittas is a dialect term for small anchovies. While it might not be commonly used in formal settings, you might come across this term when talking to locals.