cuffia
/ˈkuf.fja/
The Italian word for headphone is cuffia.
The word refers to a listening device.
Meaning: listening device (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cuffie refers to over-ear or on-ear headphones, auricolari is used for earphones or earbuds that go inside the ear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form cuffie is much more commonly used than the singular cuffia when referring to a pair of headphones.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkuf.fja/. The word has 2 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In a medical context, cuffia can refer to the rotator cuff in the shoulder. The term describes the cuff-like structure of the muscles and tendons.
- If you ask for a cuffia in a fashion boutique, you will be directed to the section for hair accessories or hats rather than electronics.
- The word cuffia shares the same root as the word for a 'bonnet' or 'cap'.
Examples in context
- Ho perso gli auricolari del mio telefono.I lost the headphones for my phone.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are in a shared office.
- AlessandroChiara, hai visto la mia cuffia?Chiara, have you seen my headphones?
- ChiaraSì, è sulla tua scrivania.Yes, they are on your desk.
- AlessandroGrazie, ne ho bisogno per la chiamata.Thanks, I need them for the call.
- ChiaraPrego, Alessandro. Buon lavoro!You're welcome, Alessandro. Have a good work session!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cuffia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuffia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
