cicoria
/t͡ʃiˈkɔ.rja/
The English phrase "chicory" translates to cicoria in Italian.
cicoria is a noun used to refer to chicory, specifically as a coffee substitute.
Meaning: coffee substitute (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rome and the surrounding region, the informal term Puntarelle is used to refer to a specific type of chicory.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. It is pronounced /tʃiˈkɔ.rja/.
Did you know?
- While cicoria is a coffee substitute, Italians also eat it as a bitter vegetable. It is often sautéed with garlic and chili peppers as a traditional side dish in Southern Italy.
- In Italian folklore, cicoria was once believed to be a remedy for various ailments due to its bitter properties. This medicinal history contributed to its widespread use in rural diets across the peninsula.
- The word cicoria shares its roots with the Ancient Greek word κιχώριον, which is the direct ancestor of the English 'chicory'.
Examples in context
- Vorrei una ricetta con cicoria, per favore.I would like a recipe with chicory, please.
- Sai preparare le puntarelle alla romana?Do you know how to make Roman-style chicory?
- La cicoria è un buon sostituto del caffè.Chicory is a good coffee substitute.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are in their kitchen in the morning.
- MartinaFrancesco, hai finito la nostra cicoria?Francesco, have you finished our chicory?
- FrancescoSì, Martina, ma ne devo comprare altra.Yes, Martina, but I need to buy more.
- MartinaPrendila oggi, per favore.Get some today, please.
- FrancescoVa bene, la prendo dopo il lavoro.Okay, I will get it after work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cicoria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cicoria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
