Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| antipasto | /an.tiˈpas.to/ | masculine |
| aperitivo | /a.pe.riˈti.vo/ | masculine |
| stuzzichino | /stut.t͡siˈki.no/ | masculine |
In Italian, several words describe small, light first courses or snacks depending on the context. Antipasto is the most common and widely recognized term for an appetizer. Stuzzichino refers to small, bite-sized finger foods or snacks, often served at bars or during casual gatherings. Aperitivo refers to the social ritual of having a drink and light snacks before dinner rather than a specific food course.
What does it mean word for word?
The word antipasto is composed of anti- (before) and pasto (meal/course), literally meaning "before the first course".
Which one should you use?
While antipasto is the standard term for an appetizer course, use aperitivo to describe the social ritual of the pre-dinner drink and snack hour. Use stuzzichino specifically for small, bite-sized snacks or nibbles.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Venice and the surrounding areas of the Veneto region, the term cicchetti refers to small, tapas-like appetizers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form stuzzichini is commonly used to describe a variety of small snacks served together.
How do you pronounce it?
/an.tiˈpas.to/
Did you know?
- The term aperitivo shares a common Latin root with the word 'open', reflecting the idea of 'opening' the stomach or the appetite before a meal.
- An antipasto platter often includes 'sott'oli', which are vegetables preserved in oil, a tradition born from the need to store food through winter before refrigeration.
- In Venice, cicchetti are often served in small bars called bacari, where patrons stand and eat these appetizers while drinking a small glass of wine called an ombretta.
Examples in context
- Durante il picnic, abbiamo portato polenta fredda tagliata a cubetti come stuzzichino.During the picnic, we brought cold polenta cut into cubes as an appetizer.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use stuzzichino when describing a snack brought to a picnic.Tatoeba #12179465 by Guybrush88, translation #12182447 by gcaplan
- Vorrei cominciare con un antipasto misto, per favore.I would like to start with a mixed appetizer, please.
- Potrei avere uno stuzzichino prima del piatto principale?May I have a little appetizer before the main course?
- Che ne dici di uno stuzzichino per aprire l'appetito?What do you say to a little appetizer to whet our appetite?
- Mi piacerebbe provare alcuni cicchetti veneziani.I would like to try some Venetian cicchetti.
- Vorrei assaggiare i fritti napoletani, sono famosi per la loro bontà.I would like to taste the Neapolitan fried appetizers, they are famous for their deliciousness.
- L'antipasto era delizioso.The appetizer was delicious.
- Vorrei ordinare un antipasto misto.I would like to order a mixed appetizer.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- FrancescoChiara, vuoi dividere un antipasto?Chiara, do you want to share an appetizer?
- ChiaraSì, l'insalata di polpo sembra ottima.Yes, the octopus salad looks great.
- FrancescoPerfetto, ordino questo antipasto allora.Perfect, I'll order this appetizer then.
- ChiaraGrazie, Francesco, è un'ottima scelta.Thanks, Francesco, it's a great choice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appetizer” translations and entries antipasto, aperitivo, stuzzichino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries antipasto, aperitivo, stuzzichino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
