sottaceti
The English phrase pickles is translated into Italian as sottaceti.
In Italian, sottaceti is often used as a collective noun to refer to the category of pickled vegetables, similar to how English speakers use 'pickles'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sottaceti is a contraction of sotto (under) and aceti (vinegars), literally meaning 'under vinegar'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Lombardy region, some locals may refer to pickles as sotacèt in their local dialect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is sottaceto.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the most common 'pickle' found on a burger is actually called cetriolino, which literally means 'little cucumber'.
- Italy has a tradition of sott'olio, where vegetables are preserved in oil rather than vinegar, creating a distinct culinary category from sottaceti.
- While sottaceti is the general term, Italians often use the specific word giardiniera for a colorful mix of pickled cauliflower, carrots and celery.
Examples in context
- Io amo i sottaceti.I love pickles.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference for sottaceti.Tatoeba #13297491 by Guybrush88, translation #6590490 by Eccles17
- Ordinammo una pizza con patate e sottaceti.We ordered a pizza with potatoes and pickles.This sentence shows how sottaceti can be used as a pizza topping.Tatoeba #13386468 by Guybrush88, translation #10172694 by AlanF_US
- Non c'è niente nel frigorifero tranne un barattolo mezzo vuoto di sottaceti.There's nothing in the refrigerator except a half-empty jar of pickles.This sentence demonstrates how to refer to a jar of sottaceti in a refrigerator.Tatoeba #13682779 by Nuel, translation #13682778 by Nuel
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are preparing a hamburger at home.
- AlessandroVuoi dei sottaceti nel tuo hamburger, Sofia?Do you want some pickles in your burger, Sofia?
- SofiaSì, per favore, ne metti molti?Yes, please, can you put many in?
- AlessandroCerto, i sottaceti danno un sapore ottimo.Sure, pickles give it a great flavor.
- SofiaHai ragione, Alessandro, sono deliziosi!You're right, Alessandro, they are delicious!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sottaceti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
