rucola
/ˈru.ko.la/feminine
The English word arugula is rucola in Italian. Wiktionary also lists ruchetta.
Meaning: herb (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rucola | /ˈru.ko.la/ | feminine |
| ruchetta | /ruˈket.ta/ | feminine |
rucola refers to the herb arugula.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈru.ko.la/.
Did you know?
- The word rucola is an ancient term that has survived through Latin, stemming from the word 'eruca' which means 'caterpillar'.
- While English speakers use 'arugula' mostly as a salad green, in many parts of Italy, rucola is treated more like a spicy seasoning for pizza or pasta.
- The word rucola is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'rocket', which is the standard name for this herb in the United Kingdom.
Examples in context
- La rucola è molto fresca.The arugula is very fresh.
- Mi piace aggiungere la rucola sulla pizza.I like to add arugula to the pizza.
- Prendi un po' di rucola per l'insalata.Take some arugula for the salad.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are preparing lunch in a kitchen.
- AlessandroSofia, hai comprato la rucola?Sofia, did you buy the arugula?
- SofiaSì, è nel frigorifero.Yes, it is in the fridge.
- AlessandroOttimo, la useremo per l'insalata.Great, we will use it for the salad.
- SofiaPerfetto, la lavo subito.Perfect, I will wash it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arugula” translations and entries rucola, ruchetta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ruchetta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
