salsa di mirtilli rossi
The English phrase cranberry sauce is salsa di mirtilli rossi in Italian.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of salsa (sauce), di (of) and mirtilli rossi (red berries/cranberries).
How does it change in a sentence?
While mirtilli rossi (plural) is common, you may also see the singular form mirtillo rosso used to describe the type of fruit in the sauce: salsa di mirtillo rosso.
Did you know?
- In Italy, mirtilli refers to blueberries, while mirtilli rossi specifically denotes cranberries. If you omit the word rossi ('red'), an Italian will think you are talking about blueberry sauce.
- Unlike the American tradition of serving cranberry sauce with turkey, an Italian might pair a similar salsa di mirtilli with game meats like venison or wild boar.
- The Italian word salsa comes from the Latin word for 'salted'. This reflects the ancient practice of using salt to preserve sauces before refrigeration.
Examples in context
- Al ristorante, per favore, potrei avere della salsa di mirtilli rossi con il mio tacchino?At the restaurant, could I please have some cranberry sauce with my turkey?
- Mamma, hai fatto la salsa di mirtilli per il pranzo della domenica?Mom, did you make cranberry sauce for Sunday lunch?
- Mi piace la salsa di mirtilli rossi con il tacchino.I like cranberry sauce with turkey.
- Hai comprato la salsa di mirtilli rossi?Did you buy the cranberry sauce?
- Questa salsa di mirtilli rossi è troppo dolce.This cranberry sauce is too sweet.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are preparing a traditional dinner at home.
- MatteoTi serve la salsa di mirtilli rossi?Do you need the cranberry sauce?
- MartinaSì, grazie, la metto sul piatto.Yes, thanks, I'll put it on the plate.
- MatteoVuoi anche un po' di pane?Do you want some bread too?
- MartinaNo grazie, è già tutto ottimo.No thanks, everything is already excellent.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, salsa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
