dolce
/ˈdol.t͡ʃe/
dolce is the Italian phrase for a sweet course served at the end of a meal.
The word dolce literally means 'sweet'. In a restaurant or on a menu, it is used as a noun to specifically refer to the dessert course. It can also function as an adjective to describe things that are sweet, such as a sweet wine.
What does it mean word for word?
The word dolce means 'sweet'.
Which one should you use?
When used as an adjective, dolce means 'sweet' (for example, describing a flavor). When used as a noun in the context of a meal, it specifically refers to the dessert course.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Apulia region, the term pasticciotto is used to describe a delicious pastry filled with cream or jam.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun dolce when referring to sweets or desserts is dolci.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈdol.tʃe/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word dolce is a relative of the English word 'docile', as both originate from the Latin root for 'sweet' or 'easy to teach'.
- The adjective dolce is often used by Italians to describe a person's temperament or voice as 'gentle' or 'soft', rather than just referring to taste.
- The musical term 'dolce' is used by conductors to instruct musicians to play with a sweet, gentle, or mellow expression.
Examples in context
- Posso vedere il menu dei dolci, per favore?Can I see the dessert menu, please?
- Nel nostro negozio troverete una vasta selezione di dolci fini.In our store, you will find a wide selection of fine pastries.
- Dovremmo provare quel dolcetto tradizionale della regione.We should try that traditional sweet from the region.
- Vuoi assaggiare un pasticciotto appena sfornato?Would you like to taste a freshly baked pasticciotto?
- Ho sempre desiderato mangiare un autentico cannolo siciliano.I've always wanted to eat an authentic Sicilian cannolo.
- Vuoi un dolce dopo la cena?Do you want a sweet course after dinner?
- Il dolce di questo ristorante è ottimo.The dessert at this restaurant is excellent.
- Abbiamo ordinato un dolce da condividere.We ordered a dessert to share.
Example conversation
A couple is finishing a meal at a cafe.
- AlessandroMartina, prendiamo un dolce?Martina, shall we have a dessert?
- MartinaSì, vorrei qualcosa di molto dolce.Yes, I would like something very sweet.
- AlessandroAllora ordino il dolce del giorno.Then I will order the dessert of the day.
- MartinaOttima idea, Alessandro.Great idea, Alessandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dolce, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
