pepe
/ˈpe.pe/masculine
The English word "pepper" is translated into Italian as pepe.
The term pepe refers specifically to the spice used for seasoning. You may use Pepe Nero for black pepper or Pepe Bianco to denote the powdered form of white pepper.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the spice and the vegetable. Use pepe for the spice (such as black or white pepper) and use peperone when referring to a bell pepper.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Italy and Sicily, the word peperone might be used to refer to a chili pepper, whereas it typically means bell pepper throughout Italy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pepe is a masculine noun. If you want to express the action of adding pepper to food, you can use the verb pepare or the phrase condire con pepe.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpe.pe/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase pepe can be used in the idiom dare il pepe, which literally means 'to give the pepper'. It is used figuratively to describe adding excitement or spice to a situation.
- The word pepe traveled a vast distance to reach Italy, moving from Indo-Aryan languages through Middle Persian and Ancient Greek before entering Latin.
- Because pepe and peperone look so similar, Italian speakers often use the specific term peperoncino to ensure they are talking about a spicy chili pepper and not a sweet bell pepper.
Examples in context
- Io odio il pepe.I hate pepper.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike of the spice pepe.Tatoeba #12922295 by Guybrush88, translation #8917560 by CK
- Mi piace il pepe.I like the pepper.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the spice pepe.Tatoeba #6609535 by Guybrush88, translation #6639840 by dasbeispielholz
- Tu mangi il pepe?Do you eat pepper?This sentence is useful for asking if someone eats the spice pepe.Tatoeba #13982829 by Guybrush88, translation #10834557 by carlosalberto
- Mi può passare il pepe, per favore?Could you pass me the pepper, please?
- Mi passi del peperoncino, per favore?Could you pass me some chili pepper, please?
- 181 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are having dinner at home.
- ChiaraAlessandro, vuoi un po' di pepe?Alessandro, do you want some pepper?
- AlessandroSì, grazie, aggiungine ancora un po'.Yes, thanks, add a little more.
- ChiaraQuesto pepe è molto piccante!This pepper is very spicy!
- AlessandroSì, è ottimo con la carne.Yes, it is great with meat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pepper” translations and entries pepe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pepe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
