pollo
/ˈpol.lo/masculine
The Italian word for chicken is pollo. Wiktionary also lists gallo.
Meaning: bird (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pollo | /ˈpol.lo/ | masculine |
| gallo | /ˈɡal.lo/ | masculine |
pollo is used to refer to chicken in a general sense or when discussing the bird. In a culinary context, it is the standard word used to refer to chicken meat.
Which one should you use?
While pollo refers to chicken as food or a general bird, gallo specifically refers to a rooster. Additionally, while pollo is a general term, gallina is used specifically for a hen.
How does it change in a sentence?
pollo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpol.lo/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Calling someone a pollo in Italian is a common insult meaning they are naive or easily tricked. It is similar to calling someone a 'sucker' in English.
- The word gallo is etymologically linked to the word 'Gaul', the ancient people of what is now France.
- In Italian, the word gallo can be used metaphorically to describe a man who is very boastful or arrogant, much like the English term 'cocky'.
Examples in context
- Io amo il pollo.I love chicken.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the meat pollo.Tatoeba #4782212 by Guybrush88, translation #620111 by ulyssemc1
- Il pollo è rosa.The chicken is pink.This sentence is useful for describing the color of the meat pollo.Tatoeba #8405697 by Guybrush88, translation #4104548 by Hybrid
- Il pollo è crudo.The chicken is raw.This sentence is useful for describing the state of the meat pollo.Tatoeba #4114984 by tiramisu, translation #4104550 by Hybrid
- Io vorrei il pollo arrosto, per favore.I would like the roast chicken, please.
- In questo ristorante, il pollo alla cacciatora è squisito.In this restaurant, the chicken cacciatore is delicious.
- Hai voglia di un panino al pollo? Lo adoro!Do you feel like a chicken sandwich? I love it!
- Ho cucinato un pollo alla griglia per cenare.I cooked a grilled chicken for dinner.
- 151 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are looking at animals on a farm.
- MartinaGuarda quel pollo bianco!Look at that white chicken!
- FrancescoÈ molto buffo, Martina.It is very funny, Martina.
- MartinaIl pollo sta correndo veloce.The chicken is running fast.
- FrancescoSpero che non scappi.I hope it doesn't escape.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chicken” translations and entries pollo, gallo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gallo, pollo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
