ragù
/raˈɡu/
The Italian phrase for meat sauce is ragù.
The word ragù is used specifically for a slow-cooked meat sauce, distinguishing it from simpler tomato-based sauces.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bologna, a signature meat-based sauce called ragù alla Bolognese is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/raˈɡu/
When do people say it?
The most famous specific type of ragù is ragù alla bolognese.
Did you know?
- In Bologna, the official recipe for ragù alla bolognese is registered at the Chamber of Commerce to protect its authenticity.
- While many English speakers call it 'spaghetti bolognese', Italians traditionally pair ragù alla bolognese with tagliatelle or lasagna rather than spaghetti.
- Depending on the region, ragù can be made entirely without tomatoes, such as the ragù bianco which uses only meat and vegetables.
Examples in context
- Vorrei un piatto di pasta al sugo di carne, per favore.I would like a plate of pasta with meat sauce, please.
- Hai mai provato la pasta con il sugo di carne di mia nonna? È deliziosa!Have you ever tried my grandmother's pasta with meat sauce? It's delicious!
- Il ragù è molto saporito.The meat sauce is very flavorful.
- Vuoi un po' di ragù sulle lasagne?Do you want some meat sauce on the lasagna?
- Ho cucinato il ragù stamattina.I cooked the meat sauce this morning.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are having lunch at home.
- ChiaraMatteo, ti piace il mio ragù?Matteo, do you like my meat sauce?
- MatteoSì, Chiara, è delizioso!Yes, Chiara, it is delicious!
- ChiaraPosso prepararlo ogni domenica.I can make it every Sunday.
- MatteoSarebbe fantastico, grazie mille.That would be fantastic, thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ragù, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
