polo
/ˈpɔ.lo/
The English phrase "polo shirt" is translated into Italian as polo.
polo is a common shorthand used to refer to this type of garment. You may also use the more descriptive term maglia polo when you want to specify the item as a shirt or jersey.
Meaning: casual, usually short-sleeved, shirt with a protruding collar (noun)
Which one should you use?
While polo is used as a shorthand, maglia polo is a common way to specify the garment as a shirt or jersey.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun polo is masculine and follows standard gender-agreement rules for plurals.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈpɔ.lo/.
Did you know?
- The term polo is a linguistic traveler that links the Greek word pólos, meaning 'pivot' or 'axis', to the English name for the sport and finally to your Italian wardrobe.
- In Italian, maglia is the generic term for any garment made of knitted fabric, meaning a casual 'polo' and a heavy winter sweater are linguistically the same type of object.
- The Italian word polo is a homonym that can refer to the shirt, the geographic North or South Pole, or the sport of polo.
Examples in context
- Ho comprato una nuova maglia a polo per l'incontro di lavoro di domani.I bought a new polo shirt for tomorrow's business meeting.
- Hai visto la mia polo? È quella blu con il logo.Have you seen my polo shirt? It's the blue one with the logo.
- Vorrei comprare una nuova maglietta a colletto in occasione della festa.I would like to buy a new T-shirt with collar for the party.
- Indosso una polo blu.I am wearing a blue polo shirt.
- Mi piace la tua polo bianca.I like your white polo shirt.
- Cerco una polo di cotone.I am looking for a cotton polo shirt.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are shopping for clothes.
- LorenzoQuesta polo verde ti sta bene.This green polo shirt looks good on you.
- GiuliaGrazie, Lorenzo. È molto comoda.Thanks, Lorenzo. It is very comfortable.
- LorenzoVuoi provare anche quella nera?Do you want to try that black one too?
- GiuliaNo, preferisco questa.No, I prefer this one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry polo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries polo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
