menta
/ˈmen.ta/feminine
The English word "mint" (referring to the plant) is menta in Italian.
menta is a feminine noun referring to the mint plant. When you want to describe food or drinks that are mint-flavored, do not use menta as an adjective. Instead, use the phrase alla menta.
Meaning: plant (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
mentuccia is an informal term used especially in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
menta is a feminine noun. For the verb meaning "to reproduce coins", use coniare.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. IPA: /ˈmen.ta/.
Did you know?
- In Italian folklore, the phrase menta is sometimes associated with the myth of Minthe, a nymph in Greek mythology who was transformed into the plant by Persephone.
- If you are in a Roman restaurant and see 'mentuccia' on the menu, it refers to a local aromatic herb often used in sautéed vegetable dishes, rather than a sweet flavoring.
- The word menta shares the same Ancient Greek root as the English word 'mint', making them distant linguistic cousins.
Examples in context
- Amo il gelato alla menta.I love mint ice cream.This sentence shows how to use menta when talking about ice cream.Tatoeba #13292455 by Guybrush88, translation #8229051 by meshbags
- Non mi piace il tè alla menta.I don't like mint tea.This sentence shows how to use menta when talking about tea.Tatoeba #14024157 by Guybrush88, translation #9937391 by AlanF_US
- Ha già provato il tè alla menta?Have you tried mint tea yet?This sentence shows how to use alla menta to ask if someone has tried a flavored tea.Tatoeba #14024154 by Guybrush88, translation #9937516 by Ooneykcall
- Può portarmi un dessert alla menta?Can you bring me a mint dessert?
- Mi piacerebbe un gelato alla menta piperita, per favore.I would like a peppermint ice cream, please.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a garden, Sofia and Matteo are looking at the herbs.
- SofiaQuesta menta profuma molto bene.This mint smells very good.
- MatteoSì, la menta è molto fresca.Yes, the mint is very fresh.
- SofiaPossiamo usare la menta per l'infuso?Can we use the mint for the infusion?
- MatteoCertamente, è perfetta per un tè.Certainly, it is perfect for a tea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mint” translations and entries menta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries menta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
