panini
In Italian, panini means a sandwich.
The term refers to sandwiches. In Italy, you may also encounter the word tramezzino, which describes a specific type of sandwich that is typically triangular-shaped and made with white bread and various fillings.
Meaning: a sandwich (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is related to panino, which literally means "little bread". This is derived from pane, meaning bread, combined with the suffix -ino which denotes smallness.
How does it change in a sentence?
panini is the plural form of the noun, while the singular form is panino. The plural of the related term tramezzino is tramezzini.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly treat panini as a singular noun. In Italian, panini is the plural form.
Did you know?
- Italian has a specific word for a 'sandwich' made with two slices of toast, called toast, which is treated as a distinct category from panini.
- Despite the global popularity of 'panini' presses, a traditional Italian panino is defined by the use of a crusty roll or small loaf rather than pressed flat bread.
- In many Italian cities, you might find a paninoteca, a specialized shop that focuses exclusively on making and selling various types of panini.
Examples in context
- Un panino o due panini?One panini or two paninis?This sentence is useful for comparing the quantity of one panino versus two panini.Tatoeba #470093 by Guybrush88, translation #470095 by FeuDRenais
- Vorrei un panino con prosciutto e formaggio, per favore. Grazie!I would like a sandwich with ham and cheese, please. Thank you!
- Ciao! Che ne dici di andare a mangiare dei panini al nuovo bar?Hi! How about going to the new bar to have some sandwiches?
- I panini al salame sono ottimi.The salami sandwiches are excellent.
- Preferisco i panini con il formaggio.I prefer cheese sandwiches.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are having lunch in a park.
- SofiaHai portato i panini per il pranzo?Did you bring the sandwiches for lunch?
- LorenzoSì, ho preparato dei panini freschi.Yes, I prepared some fresh sandwiches.
- SofiaChe buoni questi panini!These sandwiches are so good!
- LorenzoMi fa piacere che ti piacciano.I'm glad you like them.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
