baffi
/ˈbaf.fi/
The Italian word for mustache is baffi.
baffi is the standard term used to refer to the hair grown on a man's upper lip.
Which one should you use?
While the singular form baffo exists, it is almost always used in the plural baffi when referring to a man's mustache.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, the plural form baffi is the standard way to describe this facial hair feature.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈbaf.fi/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular il baffo to refer to a man's mustache. Instead, you should use the plural i baffi to describe the feature.
Did you know?
- The word baffi is used for both a man's mustache and the whiskers of an animal, such as a cat or a dog.
- In Italian, baffi can be used figuratively to describe the 'feelers' or antennae of an insect.
- In certain regional Italian slang, calling someone baffuto (mustachioed) can be a playful or even slightly mocking way to describe an older, traditional man.
Examples in context
- Io ho i baffi.I have a mustache.This sentence is useful for saying 'I have a mustache' using baffi.Tatoeba #6374987 by Guybrush88, translation #5856393 by CK
- Tom si rasò i baffi.Tom shaved off his mustache.This sentence shows how to say someone shaved off their baffi.Tatoeba #4730021 by Guybrush88, translation #3092493 by CK
- Chi è quel tipo coi baffi?Who's that guy with the mustache?This sentence is used for asking about a guy with baffi.Tatoeba #2915797 by Guybrush88, translation #2869071 by Hybrid
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are looking at an old photograph.
- GiuliaGuarda questo uomo con i baffi.Look at this man with the mustache.
- MatteoÈ un tipo molto elegante.He is a very elegant guy.
- GiuliaMa i suoi baffi sono troppo lunghi.But his mustache is too long.
- MatteoSì, sembra un attore di un tempo.Yes, he looks like an actor from the past.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry baffi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
