gomma da masticare
/ˈɡom.ma da mas.tiˈka.re/word by wordfeminine
The English phrase "chewing gum" is gomma da masticare in Italian.
gomma da masticare is used to refer to a flavoured preparation for chewing.
Meaning: flavoured preparation for chewing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gomma (gum), da (for/to) and masticare (to chew), literally meaning "gum for chewing".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal conversations, Italians may use the English term chewing gum. Additionally, in casual conversation, the phrase is often shortened to just gomma.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun gomma is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must agree in gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡom.ma da mas.tiˈka.re/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word gomma is also the standard term for an eraser and a car tyre. Context is essential to know if someone is asking for a piece of gum or a tool to rub out a pencil mistake.
- The Greek root of gomma, κόμμι, refers to a resin from trees. This connects your modern snack to the ancient tradition of using tree sap as a primitive form of chewing gum.
- The term masticare is also used metaphorically in Italian to describe 'chewing over' or thinking deeply about an idea, similar to how we use 'ruminate' in English.
Examples in context
- Mary ingoiò la sua gomma da masticare.Mary swallowed her chewing gum.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use gomma da masticare in a sentence.Tatoeba #13682860 by Guybrush88, translation #7380053 by CF
- Hai una gomma?Do you have any gum?
- Ho comprato una gomma da masticare alla menta.I bought a mint chewing gum.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are walking to a meeting.
- LorenzoChiara, vuoi una gomma da masticare?Chiara, do you want some chewing gum?
- ChiaraSì, grazie, Lorenzo.Yes, thank you, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoEcco a te, è alla menta.Here you go, it is mint flavored.
- ChiaraPerfetto, ne avevo proprio bisogno.Perfect, I really needed some.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chewing gum” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (gomma, da, masticare) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, gomma, masticare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
