schiaccianoci
/skjat.t͡ʃaˈno.t͡ʃi/masculine
The English phrase "nutcracker" is schiaccianoci in Italian.
schiaccianoci refers to an implement used for cracking nuts.
Meaning: implement for cracking nuts (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the verb schiacciare (to crush or press) and noci (nuts).
How does it change in a sentence?
schiaccianoci is an invariable noun, so it does not change its form in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /skjat.tʃaˈno.tʃi/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
When do people say it?
When referring to the famous ballet, the word is capitalized and preceded by the definite article Lo (Lo Schiaccianoci).
Did you know?
- The verb inside the word, schiacciare, shares a distant linguistic root with the English word 'squash', as both describe the act of pressing something flat.
- In Italian, if you want to describe something as being 'crushed' or 'squeezed' in a crowd, you use the same root verb schiacciare used for the schiaccianoci.
- In Italy, the ballet Lo Schiaccianoci is traditionally performed during the Christmas season, mirroring the custom of gifting decorative nutcrackers in Germanic cultures.
Examples in context
- Domani mattina faremo le prove per lo "Schiaccianoci", e la sera balleremo "Il lago dei cigni".Tomorrow morning we will rehearse "The Nutcracker", and in the evening we will dance "Swan Lake".This sentence is useful for seeing how to refer to the ballet Schiaccianoci.Tatoeba #6217125 by dnnywld, translation #10094560 by AlanF_US
- Ho comprato uno splendido schiaccianoci per la mia cucina nuova.I bought a beautiful nutcracker for my new kitchen.
- Luca ha comprato uno splendido schiaccianoci in legno.Luca bought a beautiful wooden nutcracker.
- Ho bisogno di uno schiaccianoci per queste noci.I need a nutcracker for these walnuts.
- Lo schiaccianoci è sul tavolo in cucina.The nutcracker is on the kitchen table.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are preparing snacks in the kitchen.
- GiuliaAlessandro, dove hai messo lo schiaccianoci?Alessandro, where did you put the nutcracker?
- AlessandroÈ nel primo cassetto della cucina, Giulia.It is in the first kitchen drawer, Giulia.
- GiuliaGrazie, grazie mille.Thanks, thank you very much.
- AlessandroPrego, servono anche le nocciole?You're welcome, do we need hazelnuts too?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nutcracker” translations and entries schiaccianoci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
