How to Say “Mold” in Italian

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muffa
/ˈmuf.fa/feminine
The English word 'mold' (referring to the growth of fungi) translates to Italian as muffa.
muffa is used to describe the furry or woolly growth of tiny fungi. If you are speaking in a scientific or technical context, the term funghi may be used instead.
Meaning: furry or woolly growth of tiny fungi (noun)

Which one should you use?

muffa is the standard term for the biological growth, while funghi is used in more formal or technical settings. Note that modellare and dare la forma are related verbs meaning 'to shape in or on a mold'.

Related words

To shape in or on a mold (verb): modellare, dare la forma.

How does it change in a sentence?

muffa is a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce it?

The word is pronounced /ˈmuf.fa/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.

Did you know?

  • The word muffa is likely not Latin in origin, but was borrowed from the Germanic Lombardic word *muff.
  • In Italian, the expression fare la muffa is used metaphorically to describe someone who has been neglected or left alone for a very long time.
  • The adjective muffoso can be used to describe someone who is 'moldy' or 'musty', but it is also used colloquially to describe something that is outdated or 'stale'.

Examples in context

  • Tom è allergico alla muffa.
    Tom is allergic to mold.
    This sentence is useful for showing how to express an allergy to muffa.
    Tatoeba #3222433 by Guybrush88, translation #3222387 by Hybrid
  • La muffa è comparsa sulla parete.
    The mold appeared on the wall.
  • Ieri ho visto della muffa sul pane.
    Yesterday, I saw mold on the bread.
  • Ho trovato uno strano marciume grigio sulla frutta.
    I found a strange gray mold on the fruit.
  • L'umidità forma la muffa sulle pareti.
    Humidity forms mold on the walls.
  • C'è della muffa sul pane.
    There is mold on the bread.

Example conversation

Martina and Matteo are checking the food in the kitchen.

  1. Martina

    Matteo, guarda, c'è della muffa sul formaggio!
    Matteo, look, there is mold on the cheese!
  2. Matteo

    Davvero? Non l'ho vista.
    Really? I didn't see it.
  3. Martina

    Sì, è proprio lì sulla superficie.
    Yes, it's right there on the surface.
  4. Matteo

    Allora buttiamolo via subito.
    Then let's throw it away immediately.

Sources

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Catherine Alyssa
Catherine AlyssaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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