torta
/ˈtor.ta/feminine
The Italian word for pie is torta.
The term torta is the most common and widely used word for pie in Italian.
Meaning: type of pastry (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word torta is used for both 'pie' and 'cake' in Italian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of torta is torte.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtor.ta/. The word has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might look for a specific word for 'pie' (like a fruit tart), but torta is the standard general term used for most baked pastries of this type.
When do people say it?
Crostata refers to a specific type of pie, typically a sweet tart made with a buttery crust filled with fruit preserves. In the southern region of Campania, especially during Easter, pastiera is a delightful pie made with a unique filling of cooked wheat berries, ricotta cheese, citrus and fragrant spices.
Did you know?
- The word torta is closely related to the English word 'torque' and the word 'torture', as they all share a root meaning 'to twist'.
- The pastiera is not just a dessert but a symbolic Easter dish in Campania, often prepared weeks in advance to let the flavors develop.
- The name crostata comes from 'crosta', meaning 'crust', which highlights the importance of the pastry shell in Italian baking.
Examples in context
- La torta è fresca.The pie is fresh.This sentence shows how to describe the freshness of the torta.Tatoeba #5092682 by Guybrush88, translation #3431367 by CK
- Ha fatto una torta.She baked a pie.This sentence describes the act of baking a torta.Tatoeba #2277672 by Guybrush88, translation #2230207 by Hybrid
- È un pezzo di torta.That's a piece of pie.This sentence is useful for referring to a piece of torta.Tatoeba #1107183 by Guybrush88, translation #41459 by timmartin
- Ho preparato una deliziosa torta di mele.I made a delicious apple pie.
- Vorrei una fetta di torta salata.I would like a slice of savory pie.
- Vorrei assaggiare una crostata ai frutti di bosco, per favore.I would like to taste a mixed berry crostata, please.
- La crostata di marmellata è un dolce tradizionale italiano.Jam tart is a traditional Italian dessert.
- Hai assaggiato la pastiera di mia nonna? È un capolavoro!Have you tasted my grandmother's pastiera? It's a masterpiece!
- Prendiamo dei tortini salati per l'aperitivo?Shall we have some savory tartlets for the aperitif?
- 117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are in the kitchen after lunch.
- GiuliaFrancesco, vuoi della torta?Francesco, do you want some pie?
- FrancescoSì, grazie. Che torta è?Yes, thanks. What kind of pie is it?
- GiuliaÈ una torta di ciliegie.It is a cherry pie.
- FrancescoSembra deliziosa, grazie Giulia.It looks delicious, thanks Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pie” translations and entries torta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries torta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
