noce moscata
feminine
The English phrase nutmeg is noce moscata in Italian.
The term noce moscata refers to the spice. In the specific context of soccer, a different phrase is used to describe the action of playing the ball between an opponent's legs.
Meaning: spice (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term noce moscata literally translates to 'Muscat nut'.
Which one should you use?
While noce moscata is the name for the spice, the phrase fare un tunnel is used in a soccer context to describe the act of nutmegging an opponent.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun noce moscata is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must agree in gender and number.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word noce is used to describe the knuckle of a finger or the ball of the foot because of their nut-like shape.
- The adjective moscata is derived from the Muscat grape, linking the scent of the spice to a variety of wine.
- The word noce is a direct relative of the English word 'nut' through its Latin ancestor nucem.
Examples in context
- Mi serve un po' di noce moscata.I need some nutmeg.This sentence is useful for requesting an amount of noce moscata.Tatoeba #5772021 by Guybrush88, translation #1099098 by mookeee
- La noce moscata dà un buon profumo.Nutmeg gives a nice aroma.
- Aggiungi un po' di noce moscata alle uova.Add a bit of nutmeg to the eggs.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are cooking in the kitchen.
- MatteoQuesta crema ha bisogno di noce moscata.This cream needs nutmeg.
- MartinaSì, ho la noce moscata in dispensa.Yes, I have the nutmeg in the pantry.
- MatteoPuoi prenderla per me, Martina?Can you get it for me, Martina?
- MartinaCertamente, eccola qui.Certainly, here it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nutmeg” translations and entries noce moscata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries noce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
