broccoli
/ˈbrɔk.ko.li/masculine
The English phrase 'broccoli' is translated into Italian as broccoli. Wiktionary also lists broccolo.
Meaning: plant Brassica oleracea var. italica (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| broccoli | /ˈbrɔk.ko.li/ | masculine |
| broccolo | /ˈbrɔk.ko.lo/ | masculine |
The word broccoli is the most commonly used term for broccoli across Italy.
Which one should you use?
In Italian, the plural form 'broccoli' is used to refer to the vegetable in general, whereas 'broccolo' refers to a single stalk or head.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form 'broccolo' is used when referring to one individual stalk of broccoli. The correct article for "some broccoli" is dei broccoli. To say 'a broccoli', use un broccolo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbrɔk.ko.li/. The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular 'broccoli' with a singular article, but in Italian, the vegetable is typically treated as a plural noun: i broccoli.
Did you know?
- The word shares an ancient root with the Irish word brog, which refers to an 'awl' used for piercing.
- In Italy, broccoli is often used as a broad category that includes various types of brassicas, such as broccoli romano which looks more like a turnip.
- Italian recipes frequently distinguish between broccoli and cime di rapa, though both are often translated into English as 'broccoli' or 'broccoli rabe'.
Examples in context
- Io amo i broccoli.I love broccoli.This sentence shows how to express a preference for broccoli.Tatoeba #4427243 by Guybrush88, translation #2829112 by Hybrid
- Io odio i broccoli.I hate broccoli.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for broccoli.Tatoeba #12922259 by Guybrush88, translation #8912671 by CK
- No! Odio i broccoli!No! I hate broccoli!This sentence demonstrates an emphatic expression of hating broccoli.Tatoeba #3563941 by Guybrush88, translation #2682179 by Hybrid
- orecchiette con cime di rapaEar-shaped pasta with broccoli tops
- penne con broccoli e salsicciaPenne pasta with broccoli and sausage
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are in the kitchen preparing dinner.
- MatteoCompriamo i broccoli al mercato?Shall we buy the broccoli at the market?
- SofiaSì, i broccoli sembrano molto freschi.Yes, the broccoli looks very fresh.
- MatteoPrendo anche un chilo di broccoli.I will also take a kilo of broccoli.
- SofiaPerfetto, stasera cucino io.Perfect, I will cook tonight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broccoli” translations and entries broccoli, broccolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries broccolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
