cetriolino
masculine
The English word 'gherkin' is cetriolino in Italian.
cetriolino is a masculine noun used to refer to a small cucumber. The phrase Cetriolino sott'aceto can be used in informal contexts.
Meaning: small cucumber (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word cetriolino is a diminutive of cetriolo (cucumber), formed by adding the suffix -ino to indicate smallness, literally meaning "little cucumber".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cetriolino is cetriolini.
Did you know?
- The phrase sott'aceto used with cetriolino literally means 'under vinegar'. This is the standard way Italian describes almost any pickled vegetable, from carrots to cauliflower.
- In some Italian regions, a cetriolino might be confused with a cornichon. While they are similar, cornichon is a loanword from French used in high-end gourmet shops to signal a premium product.
- The suffix -ino in cetriolino is one of the most productive in Italian. It can be added to almost any noun to express not just smallness but also affection or irony.
Examples in context
- Buon giorno, vorrei del cetriolino sott'aceto per l'insalata, per favore.Good morning, I would like some gherkins for the salad, please.
- Mi passi i cetriolini sottaceto per il panino?Could you pass me the gherkins for the sandwich?
- Mi piacciono i cetriolini sott'aceto.I like pickled gherkins.
- Il cetriolino è molto croccante.The gherkin is very crunchy.
- Vuoi un cetriolino con il tuo panino?Do you want a gherkin with your sandwich?
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are preparing lunch in the kitchen.
- SofiaLorenzo, hai preso il cetriolino?Lorenzo, did you get the gherkin?
- LorenzoSì, è nel frigorifero.Yes, it is in the fridge.
- SofiaOttimo, lo metto nel sandwich.Great, I'll put it in the sandwich.
- LorenzoPerfetto, così è più gustoso.Perfect, that way it's more tasty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gherkin” translations and entries cetriolino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
