biscotti
The Italian word for cookies is biscotti.
In Italian, biscotti can refer to any type of cookie or biscuit, including sweet or savory options.
Which one should you use?
The term biscottini is used when referring specifically to small, bite-sized cookies.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, cuccidati refers to sweet Sicilian fig cookies that are traditionally prepared during festive seasons.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is biscotto. To refer to small, bite-sized cookies, Italians often use the diminutive form biscottini.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often assume biscotti is only the plural of biscotto, but in many contexts, it is used as a general term for all types of cookies or biscuits.
Did you know?
- The word biscotto comes from the Latin phrase 'bis coctus', meaning 'twice baked'. This refers to the ancient process of baking bread twice to make it hard and durable for long journeys.
- In Italy, biscotti are commonly eaten for breakfast by dipping them into a caffè latte or cappuccino to soften them.
- When ordering 'biscotti' in an American-Italian restaurant, you are likely getting a specific hard bread, but in Italy, you might just be asking for 'some cookies'.
Examples in context
- Io amo i biscotti.I love cookies.This sentence shows how to express a personal preference for biscotti.Tatoeba #13297713 by Guybrush88, translation #5237060 by mailohilohi
- Mi dia quei biscotti.Give those cookies to me.This sentence is a way to request specific biscotti.Tatoeba #5787614 by Guybrush88, translation #3907500 by CH
- Le dia quei biscotti.Give those cookies to her.This sentence is a way to request biscotti for someone else.Tatoeba #5787621 by Guybrush88, translation #3907502 by CH
- 114 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are in the kitchen.
- GiuliaVuoi dei biscotti con il tè?Do you want some cookies with the tea?
- FrancescoSì, grazie, sembrano molto buoni.Yes, thank you, they look very good.
- GiuliaQuesti biscotti sono fatti in casa.These cookies are homemade.
- FrancescoAllora ne prendo due, Giulia!Then I'll take two, Giulia!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
