cipolla
/t͡ʃiˈpol.la/feminine
The Italian word for onion is cipolla.
cipolla is a feminine noun used to refer to the edible bulb used in cooking.
Meaning: bulb (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cipolla is cipolle.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. It is pronounced /tʃiˈpol.la/.
Did you know?
- The term cipolla is used in the phrase fare la cipolla, which describes someone who dresses in many layers of clothing to stay warm.
- The word cipolla is actually a diminutive, meaning it translates more precisely to 'little onion' due to its Late Latin roots.
- If you are cooking and someone says non piangere per la cipolla, they might be making a joke about your sensitivity rather than your literal tears.
Examples in context
- Mi piace la cipolla.I like onion.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for cipolla.Tatoeba #13284385 by Guybrush88, translation #12519978 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- Dov'è la mia cipolla?Where's my onion?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of your cipolla.Tatoeba #10245794 by Guybrush88, translation #10166533 by ddnktr
- Questa è una cipolla.This is an onion.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is a cipolla.Tatoeba #10578416 by Guybrush88, translation #10172053 by ddnktr
- Voglio preparare una frittata con cipollotti freschi da giardino.I want to make an omelet with fresh garden onions.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are preparing dinner in the kitchen.
- FrancescoSofia, hai preso la cipolla?Sofia, did you get the onion?
- SofiaSì, è proprio qui sul tavolo.Yes, it is right here on the table.
- FrancescoOttimo, allora tagliamola subito.Great, then let's cut it immediately.
- SofiaVa bene, la taglio io.Alright, I will cut it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “onion” translations and entries cipolla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cipolla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
