How to Say "Hazel" in Italian

nocciola

/notˈt͡ʃɔ.la/

The Italian word for hazel is nocciola.

nocciola is used to describe the color hazel. It can also function as a noun to refer to the hazelnut itself.

Meaning: colour (adj)

What does it mean word for word?

The word nocciola literally means hazelnut, which is the basis for the color description.

While nocciola refers to the color or the nut, the word nocciolo must be used if you are referring to the hazel tree or shrub.

When you use nocciola as an adjective to describe a color, it is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to match gender or number.

The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /notˈtʃɔ.la/.

In Italy, nocciola is not just a color but a staple of the national palate, most famously as the primary flavor in 'Gianduja' chocolate.
The word nocciola is actually a diminutive form of the Latin word for 'nut', essentially meaning 'little nut'.
In Italian fashion and interior design, nocciola is often used to describe a specific shade of warm brown that differs from marrone.

Ha gli occhi nocciola.
He has hazel eyes.
This sentence is useful for describing eye color using nocciola.
Tatoeba #8483654 by Guybrush88, translation #8480956 by CH
Mi piace quella borsa color nocciola.
I like that hazel colored bag.
Il divano è di un bel color nocciola.
The sofa is a beautiful hazel color.
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Giulia and Lorenzo are choosing a color for a new piece of furniture.

Giulia

Ti piace questo tessuto nocciola?
Do you like this hazel fabric?
Lorenzo

Sì, è un colore molto caldo.
Yes, it is a very warm color.
Giulia

Allora prendiamo il divano nocciola.
Then let's get the hazel sofa.
Lorenzo

D'accordo, è perfetto per il soggiorno.
Agreed, it's perfect for the living room.

Sources

Wiktionary, “hazel” translations and entries nocciola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries nocciola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏