cime di rapa
In Italian, broccoli rabe is called cime di rapa.
In Italy, the vegetable is typically referred to by the native name cime di rapa rather than the anglicized phrase broccoli rabe.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cime di rapa literally translates to tops of turnip greens.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Lazio region, broccoli rabe is called Broccoletti di rape.
How does it change in a sentence?
cime di rapa is a feminine plural noun phrase. The head noun is cime (tops/peaks) and it is modified by di rapa (of turnip).
Did you know?
- In some Italian contexts, the word rapa is linked to the root of rapina, the Italian word for 'robbery'.
- While cime di rapa are staples of Italian cooking, the plant is not actually a type of broccoli or a turnip, but a member of the mustard family.
- The word cime also means 'mountain peaks' in Italian, reflecting how the vegetable's florets resemble a landscape of small summits.
Examples in context
- Mi piacciono molto le cime di rapa.I really like broccoli rabe.
- Dobbiamo comprare le cime di rapa al mercato.We need to buy some broccoli rabe at the market.
- Le cime di rapa sono ottime con la pasta.Broccoli rabe is excellent with pasta.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are deciding what to cook for dinner.
- MatteoCosa cuciniamo di contorno stasera, Giulia?What side dish shall we cook tonight, Giulia?
- GiuliaPossiamo fare le cime di rapa con l'aglio.We can make broccoli rabe with garlic.
- MatteoOttima idea, Matteo le adora!Great idea, Matteo loves them!
- GiuliaAllora vado a prenderle subito.Then I will go get them right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cime di rapa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, rapa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
