ketchup
/ˈkɛ.t͡ʃap/masculine
The English word 'ketchup' is translated into Italian as ketchup. Wiktionary also lists salsa rubra and tomato.
Meaning: tomato-vinegar based sauce (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ketchup | /ˈkɛ.t͡ʃap/ | masculine |
| salsa rubra | feminine | |
| tomato | informal, masculine |
The word refers to a tomato-vinegar based sauce.
Which one should you use?
ketchup is the standard term, while salsa rubra is a feminine form. The term tomato is a masculine noun that is considered rare and informal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ketchup is the standard masculine form. tomato is an informal and rare way to refer to it.
How does it change in a sentence?
ketchup is a masculine noun and is used with the masculine article il, forming il ketchup.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈkɛ.tʃap/.
Did you know?
- While ketchup is common in fast food, many Italians view putting it on traditional pasta as a culinary crime.
- The Italian word salsa shares its roots with the word 'salt' because it originally referred to things that were salted or brined.
- In Italy, if you ask for salsa di pomodoro, you will receive a cooked tomato sauce for pasta rather than a bottled condiment like ketchup.
Examples in context
- Mi piace il ketchup.I like ketchup.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for ketchup.Tatoeba #6609538 by Guybrush88, translation #6922545 by CK
- So che non è ketchup.I know that's not ketchup.This sentence is useful for stating that something is not ketchup.Tatoeba #7525139 by Guybrush88, translation #6838778 by CK
- Ha preso del ketchup?Did you get ketchup?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has acquired ketchup.Tatoeba #13154153 by Guybrush88, translation #12092014 by shekitten
- Per favore, mi puoi passare il ketchup?Could you please pass me the ketchup?
- 169 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are eating fries at a table.
- LorenzoHai il ketchup?Do you have the ketchup?
- ChiaraSì, è qui davanti a me.Yes, it is here in front of me.
- LorenzoPuoi passarmi il ketchup, per favore?Can you pass me the ketchup, please?
- ChiaraEcco a te, Lorenzo.Here you go, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ketchup” translations and entries ketchup, salsa rubra, tomato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ketchup, salsa, tomato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
