pizzo
/ˈpit.t͡so/masculine
The English phrase goatee is translated into Italian as pizzo. Wiktionary also lists pizzetto.
Meaning: beard at the center of the chin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pizzo | /ˈpit.t͡so/ | masculine |
| pizzetto | masculine |
pizzo refers to a beard located at the center of the chin.
Which one should you use?
pizzetto is the diminutive of pizzo and is the more common way to refer to a small goatee. You can also use the descriptive phrase barba a punta to describe a goatee-style beard.
How does it change in a sentence?
pizzetto is a masculine singular noun. The plural form of pizzetto is pizzetti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpit.tso/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term pizzo can refer to the 'protection money' extorted by the Mafia.
- In Italian, pizzo is also the word for 'lace' fabric, though the two words have entirely different origins.
- In a surprising linguistic twist, one derivation of pizzo comes from the Sicilian word for 'pillow', capizzu, via the Latin word for 'head'.
Examples in context
- Tom ha il pizzetto.Tom has a goatee.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has a pizzetto.Tatoeba #5580132 by Guybrush88, translation #3162944 by CK
- Il signore ha un bel pizzetto.The gentleman has a nice goatee.
- Giovanni ha una barbetta molto particolare.Giovanni has a very unique goatee.
- Ti sta bene il pizzo.The goatee looks good on you.
- Si è fatto crescere il pizzo.He grew a goatee.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are talking about a new haircut.
- ChiaraTi piace il nuovo look di Marco?Do you like Marco's new look?
- FrancescoSì, e ha anche un bel pizzo.Yes, and he also has a nice goatee.
- ChiaraÈ vero, lo rende molto elegante.True, it makes him look very elegant.
- FrancescoSì, gli sta davvero bene.Yes, it really suits him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goatee” translations and entries pizzo, pizzetto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pizzetto, pizzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
