pomodoro ciliegino
The English phrase "cherry tomato" is translated into Italian as pomodoro ciliegino.
pomodoro ciliegino refers to a small, round variety of tomato that is roughly the size of a cherry.
Which one should you use?
While pomodoro ciliegino is the standard term, you will often hear the diminutive form pomodorino used in many contexts, particularly when shopping at markets or discussing ingredients in cooking.
How does it change in a sentence?
When pluralizing the phrase to say "cherry tomatoes", both the noun and the adjective change to pomodori ciliegini.
Did you know?
- The word pomodoro actually translates to 'golden apple' because early European varieties were yellow rather than red. This comes from combining the words pomo meaning 'apple' and oro meaning 'gold'.
- The Italian word pomo is an ancient term for 'apple' or 'fruit' in general, whereas the modern word for the eating fruit is mela.
- The diminutive suffix -ino in ciliegino is not used only for size but is also a frequent linguistic tool to express endearment.
Examples in context
- Scusi, potrei avere un chilo di pomodori ciliegini, per favore?Excuse me, could I have a kilogram of cherry tomatoes, please?
- Un'insalata mista con pomodori ciliegini, per favoreA mixed salad with cherry tomatoes, please
- Ho comprato un pomodoro ciliegino molto dolce.I bought a very sweet cherry tomato.
- Aggiungi un pomodoro ciliegino alla tua insalata.Add a cherry tomato to your salad.
- Questo pomodoro ciliegino è perfetto per il contorno.This cherry tomato is perfect for the side dish.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are preparing a meal together in the kitchen.
- MatteoChiara, dove hai messo il pomodoro ciliegino?Chiara, where did you put the cherry tomatoes?
- ChiaraÈ nel frigorifero, accanto al formaggio.It is in the refrigerator, next to the cheese.
- MatteoGrazie, lo userò per fare il antipasto.Thanks, I will use it to make the appetizer.
- ChiaraOttima idea, Matteo!Great idea, Matteo!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pomodoro ciliegino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciliegino, pomodoro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
