pigiama
/piˈd͡ʒa.ma/
The English phrase 'pajamas' is translated into Italian as pigiama.
The word pigiama refers to clothes worn for sleeping. When describing someone who is currently wearing them, use the phrase in pigiama without an article.
Meaning: clothes for wearing to bed and sleeping in (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
While the English word 'pajamas' is plural, the Italian pigiama is a singular countable noun. This means it uses singular verbs and articles. The plural form of the word is pigiami.
How do you pronounce it?
The word pigiama has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /piˈdʒa.ma/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid treating pigiama as a plural noun. English speakers often make this error by following the English pattern, but you should use it with singular articles and verbs.
Did you know?
- The word pigiama is a rare example of a word that traveled from Persian to Urdu and Hindi, then to English, and finally into Italian.
- While pigiama is the standard term, older Italians may still refer to nightgowns as camicia da notte, reflecting a historical preference for long shirts over trousers.
- Because pigiama is a masculine noun, any adjectives describing the sleepwear must also be masculine, regardless of who is wearing them.
Examples in context
- Lui è in pigiama.He is in pajamas.This sentence shows how to use pigiama to describe someone's state of dress.Tatoeba #1082522 by Guybrush88, translation #292386 by CK
- Mary è in pigiama.Mary is in her pajamas.Tatoeba #13530582 by Guybrush88, translation #6429676 by CF
- Si metta il pigiama.Put on your pajamas.This sentence shows how to use pigiama when instructing someone to put on their sleepwear.Tatoeba #1450115 by Guybrush88, translation #1449776 by CK
- Quando hai indossato il tuo pigiama per l'ultima volta?When was the last time you wore your pajamas?
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are getting ready for bed at home.
- GiuliaAlessandro, hai già messo il pigiama?Alessandro, have you put on your pajamas yet?
- AlessandroNo, sto cercando il mio pigiama preferito.No, I am looking for my favorite pajamas.
- GiuliaÈ nel cassetto sopra il tuo pigiama blu.It is in the drawer above your blue pajamas.
- AlessandroGrazie, Giulia, l'ho trovato!Thanks, Giulia, I found them!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pigiama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pigiama, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
