marmellata
/mar.melˈla.ta/feminine
The English phrase marmalade is translated into Italian as marmellata.
Marmellata can be used to refer to marmalade in a general sense.
Meaning: citrus jam (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Italian, 'marmellata' is a generic term used for most types of fruit jams, whereas in English, 'marmalade' specifically refers to citrus-based jams.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that the jam is made from citrus (as the English word 'marmalade' implies), you should use the phrase marmellata di agrumi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /mar.melˈla.ta/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often assume 'marmellata' only means citrus marmalade, but it is the standard word for any fruit jam (strawberry, apricot, etc.) in Italian.
Did you know?
- While marmellata is the general word for jam, Italians use the term confettura on official labels to denote a higher fruit content and less added sugar.
- Italians typically eat marmellata on fette biscottate, which are twice-baked rusks that are far more common for breakfast than soft sliced bread.
- The Italian marmellata is closely related to the Portuguese marmelada, which originally referred specifically to a preserve made from the quince fruit.
Examples in context
- Io odio la marmellata.I hate marmalade.This sentence uses marmellata to express a dislike for jam.Tatoeba #12922293 by Guybrush88, translation #8916525 by CK
- Mi offrì un po' di marmellata di agrumi.She offered me some marmalade.This sentence uses marmellata to describe an offering of citrus marmalade.Tatoeba #4475963 by Guybrush88, translation #2082286 by gleki
- Questa marmellata di arancia è deliziosa.This orange marmalade is delicious.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are having breakfast in the kitchen.
- SofiaVuoi un po' di marmellata sul pane?Do you want some marmalade on the bread?
- FrancescoSì, grazie, è di quale frutta?Yes, please, what fruit is it?
- SofiaÈ una buona marmellata di mandarino.It is a good mandarin marmalade.
- FrancescoOttimo, mi piace molto.Great, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “marmalade” translations and entries marmellata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
