antipasto
/an.tiˈpas.to/masculine
The Italian word for an Italian starter for a meal is antipasto.
An antipasto typically consists of cured meats, olives, cheeses and pickled vegetables.
Meaning: Italian starter for a meal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix anti- (before) and pasto (meal/food).
Which one should you use?
While antipasto refers to the course itself, antipasti is often used on menus to refer to a variety of different starter dishes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Specific versions exist in different areas, such as Antipasto Friulano, which refers to traditional antipasti from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and antipasto toscano, which can be found in the Tuscany region.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of antipasto is antipasti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /an.tiˈpas.to/.
Did you know?
- The word pasto comes from the Latin 'pastus', which is the same root found in the English word 'pasture', relating to the act of feeding livestock.
- In many parts of Italy, rather than calling it an antipasto, people simply refer to this course as stuzzichini, which literally translates to 'little stimuli' or 'appetizers'.
- In some regions of Italy, a traditional antipasto might include baccalà (salted cod) or polpo (octopus), reflecting the coastal influence on the starter course.
Examples in context
- Vorrei cominciare la cena con un antipasto tradizionale italiano.I would like to start the dinner with a traditional Italian antipasto.
- Proveremo una selezione di antipasti italiani stasera.We will try a selection of Italian antipasti tonight.
- Oggi ho preparato degli antipastini sfiziosi per l'aperitivo.Today, I prepared some tasty antipastini for the aperitif.
- Questo ristorante serve un delizioso antipasto friulano.This restaurant serves a delicious Friulian antipasto.
- Vorrei assaggiare l'antipasto toscano durante il mio viaggio in Toscana.I would like to try the Tuscan antipasto during my trip to Tuscany.
- L'antipasto è molto gustoso.The antipasto is very tasty.
- Vorrei ordinare un antipasto misto.I would like to order a mixed antipasto.
- Abbiamo preparato un antipasto per gli ospiti.We prepared an antipasto for the guests.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are at a restaurant deciding what to order.
- LorenzoPrendiamo un antipasto da dividere?Shall we get an antipasto to share?
- MartinaSì, ottima idea, Lorenzo.Yes, great idea, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoCosa ti piace di più?What do you like most?
- MartinaMi piacciono molto i salumi.I really like cold cuts.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “antipasto” translations and entries antipasto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
