auricolari
The Italian word for earphones is auricolari.
The term is used to refer to small speakers worn over the ears.
Meaning: small speakers worn over the ears (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to larger headphones that sit over the ears rather than small earbuds, use cuffie instead. The phrase Cuffie auricolari can be used to specifically mean headphones with earpieces.
How does it change in a sentence?
While auricolari is the common plural form used for a pair of earphones, the singular auricolare refers to a single earbud.
Did you know?
- While cuffie is used for headphones, the word literally translates to 'bonnets' or 'caps'. It describes the way large headphones cover the head like a piece of clothing.
- The word auricolari shares a root with the Latin auris, meaning 'ear'. This is the same root found in English medical terms like 'auricular', which refers to the ear or the earflap of a heart.
- The word cuffie is also used for the caps worn by nurses or the plastic caps used in a shower.
Examples in context
- Possiedo degli auricolari di alta qualità.I own high-quality earphones.
- Ho dimenticato le mie cuffie auricolari a casa.I forgot my earphones at home.
- Hai le cuffie? Voglio ascoltare questa canzone.Do you have earphones? I want to listen to this song.
- Gli auricolari sono sul tavolo.The earphones are on the table.
- Ti piacciono questi nuovi auricolari?Do you like these new earphones?
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are looking for music equipment in the living room.
- ChiaraMatteo, dove sono i miei auricolari?Matteo, where are my earphones?
- MatteoCredo che siano nella tua borsa.I think they are in your bag.
- ChiaraNo, non sono qui.No, they are not here.
- MatteoGuarda, sono sotto il divano.Look, they are under the sofa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auricolari, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
