tovagliolo
/to.vaʎˈʎɔ.lo/masculine
The English word napkin is translated into Italian as tovagliolo. Wiktionary also lists salvietta.
Meaning: serviette (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tovagliolo | /to.vaʎˈʎɔ.lo/ | masculine |
| salvietta | /salˈvjet.ta/ | feminine |
Which one should you use?
Use tovagliolo to refer to the cloth or paper napkin used at a dining table during a meal. In contrast, use salvietta to refer to a small paper napkin (like those found in fast food or cafes) or a small tissue.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word fazzoletto, meaning 'handkerchief', can be used as a synonym for napkin in central and southern parts of Italy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the masculine tovagliolo is tovaglioli. The plural of the feminine salvietta is salviette.
How do you pronounce it?
tovagliolo is pronounced /to.vaʎˈʎɔ.lo/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- Italian dining culture traditionally dictates that the tovagliolo stays on the lap throughout the meal, and placing it on the table signals you have finished.
- The word tovagliolo is a diminutive of tovaglia, which means 'tablecloth'. Literally, a napkin is seen as a 'little tablecloth'.
- The term salvietta can also refer to a wet wipe or a damp cloth used for cleaning, not just a paper napkin.
Examples in context
- L'ho annotato su un tovagliolo.I wrote it down on a napkin.This sentence shows how to use tovagliolo to describe writing something down on it.Tatoeba #2727342 by Guybrush88, translation #2543714 by CK
- Stendi il tovagliolo sul grembo.Lay the napkin across your lap.This sentence demonstrates the use of tovagliolo when referring to placing it on one's lap.Tatoeba #10626137 by Guybrush88, translation #318213 by CM
- Cameriere, mi serve un tovagliolo.Waiter, I need a napkin.This sentence illustrates how to use tovagliolo when requesting one from a waiter.Tatoeba #3262057 by Guybrush88, translation #3260184 by CM
- Scusi, potrebbe portarmi un tovagliolo, per favore?Excuse me, could you bring me a napkin, please?
- Passami una salvietta, per piacere.Pass me a napkin, please.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is having dinner at a restaurant.
- AlessandroGiulia, mi passi il tovagliolo?Giulia, can you pass me the napkin?
- GiuliaCertamente, eccolo qui.Certainly, here it is.
- AlessandroGrazie, ne avevo bisogno.Thanks, I needed it.
- GiuliaDi nulla, Alessandro.You're welcome, Alessandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “napkin” translations and entries tovagliolo, salvietta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries salvietta, tovagliolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
