coltello
/kolˈtɛl.lo/masculine
The Italian word for knife is coltello.
coltello is a noun used to refer to a utensil or tool designed for cutting.
Meaning: utensil or tool designed for cutting (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Naples, the term roncola refers to a curved knife resembling a sickle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
coltello is a masculine noun. It uses masculine articles such as il coltello (the knife) or un coltello (a knife). The plural form of coltello is coltelli.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /kolˈtɛl.lo/.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is considered a sign of bad luck to give a coltello as a gift. To avoid the superstition that the gift will 'cut' the friendship, the recipient must give a small coin in return to 'buy' it.
- The Italian phrase aver il coltello dalla parte del manico literally means 'to have the knife by the handle'. It is used to describe someone who is in a position of power or has the upper hand in a negotiation.
- The Italian word coltello is actually a diminutive, meaning it literally translates to 'little knife' in its original Latin roots.
Examples in context
- Io ho un coltello?Do I have a knife?This is useful for asking if you possess a coltello.Tatoeba #4901103 by Guybrush88, translation #2657711 by CM
- Non è un coltello.That's not a knife.This is useful for stating that something is not a coltello.Tatoeba #13508669 by Guybrush88, translation #9240859 by shekitten
- Non ho un coltello.I don't have a knife.This is useful for stating that you do not possess a coltello.Tatoeba #3260957 by Guybrush88, translation #3258546 by CK
- Dammi il coltello, per favore.Give me the knife, please.
- Qualcuno ha il coltellino svizzero?Does anyone have a Swiss Army knife?
- Questa ricetta richiede un coltello ben affilato.This recipe calls for a sharp knife.
- Per preparare questa insalata, ho bisogno del coltellino.To prepare this salad, I need the little knife.
- 737 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are preparing dinner in the kitchen.
- GiuliaMatteo, mi serve un coltello.Matteo, I need a knife.
- MatteoEcco il coltello per le verdure.Here is the knife for the vegetables.
- GiuliaGrazie, questo coltello è perfetto.Thanks, this knife is perfect.
- MatteoPrendilo pure, Giulia.Go ahead and take it, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knife” translations and entries coltello, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coltello, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
