pantaloni eleganti
The English phrase "dress pants" is pantaloni eleganti in Italian.
pantaloni eleganti refers to formal pants. You use this term to distinguish formal trousers from jeans or pantaloni casual (casual pants).
Meaning: formal pants (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pantaloni (pants) and eleganti (elegant).
Which one should you use?
While pantaloni eleganti (plural) is the standard way to refer to a pair of pants, the singular form pantalone elegante is grammatically possible but much less common in natural speech. For specific suit pants used in formal settings, you can also use pantaloni da abito.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because pantaloni is a masculine plural noun, the adjective elegante must take the masculine plural ending -i to become eleganti.
Did you know?
- The word pantaloni is named after the character Pantalone from Italian Commedia dell'arte theater, a wealthy Venetian merchant known for wearing long red trousers.
- The adjective elegante comes from the Latin eligere, meaning 'to choose', implying that formal pants are a conscious choice of selection.
- In Italy, wearing pantaloni eleganti with sneakers is a common 'smart casual' trend, whereas in some other cultures this mix is seen as a fashion mistake.
Examples in context
- Domani dovrò indossare pantaloni eleganti per l'incontro di lavoro.Tomorrow, I will have to wear dress pants for the business meeting.
- Devo comprare dei pantaloni eleganti per il matrimonio.I need to buy some dress pants for the wedding.
- Quei pantaloni eleganti sono molto belli.Those dress pants are very nice.
- Non trovo più i miei pantaloni eleganti neri.I can't find my black dress pants anymore.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are getting ready for a party.
- MartinaLorenzo, cosa indosserai stasera?Lorenzo, what are you wearing tonight?
- LorenzoMetterò una camicia e i pantaloni eleganti.I will put on a shirt and dress pants.
- MartinaOttima scelta, sei molto raffinato.Great choice, you are very refined.
- LorenzoGrazie, Martina, tu sei bellissima.Thanks, Martina, you look beautiful.
