fazzoletto di carta
/fat.t͡soˈlet.to di ˈkar.ta/word by word
The Italian phrase for kleenex is fazzoletto di carta.
fazzoletto di carta is the generic term for a disposable tissue. While Kleenex is often used informally in Italian, you can use Fazzoletti Kleenex to specify the brand while using the Italian word for handkerchiefs.
Meaning: generic term for a disposable tissue (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fazzoletto, meaning little handkerchief and di carta, meaning of paper.
Which one should you use?
A fazzoletto can refer to a reusable cloth handkerchief, so adding di carta specifies that you are talking about a disposable paper tissue.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, only the word fazzoletto changes to fazzoletti. The di carta part remains unchanged.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /fat.tsoˈlet.to di ˈkar.ta/. The word has 6 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of fazzoletto comes from the Latin word facies, which means 'face'.
- In Italian, fazzoletto can refer to a pocket square used as a fashion accessory, not just a tool for hygiene.
- Offering a fazzoletto di carta to someone crying is a common gesture of empathy in Italian social culture.
Examples in context
- Qualcuno ha un fazzoletto di carta?Does anybody have a kleenex?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a fazzoletto di carta.Tatoeba #4871573 by Guybrush88, translation #4828357 by Hybrid
- Hai dei fazzoletti di carta?Do you have any paper handkerchiefs?
- Mi passi un fazzoletto Kleenex, per favore?Could you pass me a Kleenex, please?
- Dovresti prendere un 'fazzoletto di carta' per il tuo raffreddoreYou should grab a 'paper handkerchief' for your cold.
- Hai un fazzoletto di carta per me?Do you have a tissue for me?
Example conversation
Giulia is sneezing during a movie.
- FrancescoStai bene, Giulia?Are you okay, Giulia?
- GiuliaNo, mi serve un fazzoletto di carta.No, I need a tissue.
- FrancescoPrendi questo fazzoletto di carta.Take this tissue.
- GiuliaGrazie mille, Francesco.Thanks a lot, Francesco.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (fazzoletto, di, carta) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carta, di, fazzoletto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
