How to Say "Calf" in Italian - How To Say Guide

vitello

/viˈtɛl.lo/masculine

The Italian word for calf is vitello.

vitello is a masculine noun used to describe a young cow or bull. In a culinary context, the word is also used to refer to veal meat.

Meaning: young cow or bull (noun)

Which one should you use?

While vitello is the general term, the form vitella is used specifically to refer to a female calf.

The feminine form vitella refers specifically to a female calf.

The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /viˈtɛl.lo/.

The anatomical part of the human leg known as the calf is called polpaccio, which literally translates to 'little cabbage'.
While vitello refers to the animal and the meat, the term vitellone refers to a grown man who refuses to grow up and take responsibility.
Although vitello means calf, the word vitellino is often used as a term of endearment for a small child.

Tom marchiò il vitello.
Tom branded the calf.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the verb for branding with vitello.
Tatoeba #10536675 by Guybrush88, translation #1026963 by CK
La mucca perse il suo vitello.
The cow lost its calf.
This sentence shows how to describe a cow losing its vitello.
Tatoeba #10536677 by Guybrush88, translation #3385760 by AlanF_US
Il vitello impara dalla mucca.
The calf learns from the cow.
This sentence illustrates how a vitello learns from a cow.
Tatoeba #13294980 by Guybrush88, translation #12576501 by elithyia
Il vitello è un animale giovane appartenente alla famiglia dei bovini.
The calf is a young animal belonging to the bovine family.
Ho visto un adorabile vitellino nella fattoria del mio amico.
I saw an adorable calf at my friend's farm.
4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Matteo and Sofia are visiting a small farm.

Sources

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