cancelletto
/kan.t͡ʃelˈlet.to/
The English phrase "hash key" is translated into Italian as cancelletto.
cancelletto is the standard term for the symbol # used in computing and social media. In the specific context of social media, English speakers might use the word "hashtag" (pronounced with an Italian accent) to refer to the concept of the tagged word itself.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kan.tʃelˈlet.to/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While hashtag is common online, older generations of Italians may still refer to the symbol as the diesi, which is the musical term for a sharp sign.
- The word cancelletto is a diminutive of cancello, which means 'gate'.
- In Italian, the symbol # is used to indicate a number in lists, similar to how 'no.' is used in English.
Examples in context
- Devi scrivere un cancelletto prima del nome.You have to write a hash key before the name.
- C'è un cancelletto sopra il numero sette.There is a hash key above the number seven.
- Usa il cancelletto per cercare l'argomento su Instagram.Use the hash key to search for the topic on Instagram.
Example conversation
Giulia is helping Lorenzo with a social media post.
- GiuliaLorenzo, ricordati di usare il cancelletto.Lorenzo, remember to use the hash key.
- LorenzoNon trovo il cancelletto sul mio telefono.I can't find the hash key on my phone.
- GiuliaGuarda tra i simboli della tastiera.Look among the keyboard symbols.
- LorenzoAh, eccolo, grazie Giulia!Ah, here it is, thanks Giulia!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cancelletto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cancelletto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
