sottobicchiere
masculine
The English word 'coaster' is translated into Italian as sottobicchiere. Wiktionary also lists sottobottiglia and sottocoppa.
Meaning: small object on which a cup, etc., is placed to protect a table surface (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sottobicchiere | masculine | |
| sottobottiglia | feminine | |
| sottocoppa | /sot.toˈkɔp.pa/ /sot.toˈkop.pa/ |
masculine |
| tondino | masculine |
The most common and standard way to say 'coaster' for a drink is sottobicchiere.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sottobicchiere is a compound of sotto (under) and bicchiere (glass).
Which one should you use?
While sottobicchiere is used for glasses, sottobottiglia is used specifically for a coaster or mat placed under a bottle. Other forms include sottocoppa, which is a masculine noun and tondino, which is a masculine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sottobicchiere is sottobicchieri.
Did you know?
- The word sotto is used as a prefix for many household protectors, creating a consistent pattern of 'under-objects' like sottopentola for hot pots.
- In an Italian bar, if you ask for a sottobicchiere, the bartender might actually hand you a small paper napkin or a piece of cardboard instead of a reusable object.
- In Italy, the use of a sottobicchiere is much more common in bars and cafes than in private homes, where people often rely on the table's own material or a tablecloth.
Examples in context
- Mi scusi, potrei avere un sottobicchiere, per favore?Excuse me, can I have a coaster, please?
- Puoi prendermi un sottobicchiere, per favore?Can you get me a coaster, please?
- Non dimenticare il sottobicchiere per il tuo tè.Don't forget the coaster for your tea.
- Ho comprato un sottobicchiere di marmo molto bello.I bought a very beautiful marble coaster.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are sitting at a coffee table in a living room.
- MatteoSofia, usa un sottobicchiere per il tuo caffè.Sofia, use a coaster for your coffee.
- SofiaHai ragione, non voglio rovinare il tavolo.You're right, I don't want to ruin the table.
- MatteoEcco il sottobicchiere che cercavi.Here is the coaster you were looking for.
- SofiaGrazie mille, Matteo.Thanks a lot, Matteo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coaster” translations and entries sottobicchiere, sottobottiglia, sottocoppa, tondino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
