pomelo
/poˈmɛ.lo/masculine
The English word pomelo is pomelo in Italian. Wiktionary also lists pampaleone.
Meaning: large fruit of the C. maxima or grandis (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pomelo | /poˈmɛ.lo/ | masculine |
| pampaleone | masculine |
The term refers to the large citrus fruit of the C. maxima or grandis species. In a broader sense, a citrus fruit is an agrume, while a citron is a Cedro.
Which one should you use?
pomelo is the standard term for the fruit, whereas pampaleone is a colloquial or regional term used to describe the same fruit.
Is it said differently in some regions?
pampaleone is used as a regional term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both pomelo and pampaleone are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /poˈmɛ.lo/.
Did you know?
- While pomelo refers strictly to the fruit, the term pampaleone can be used as a playful insult to describe a person who is boastful or full of themselves.
- The word pomelo is a relatively recent addition to the Italian language, as it was borrowed directly from English rather than originating from ancient Latin or Mediterranean roots.
- The term pampaleone can be used as a playful nickname for someone who is physically large or clumsy.
Examples in context
- Tom ha comprato un pomelo.Tom bought a pomelo.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use pomelo in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #13576897 by rul, translation #13093234 by rul
- Il pomelo viene anche chiamato "pomelo cinese" per la sua origine.Pomelo is also called "Chinese pomelo" due to its origin.
- Mi piace usare il pomelo per preparare insalate.I like using pomelo to prepare salads.
- Il pomelo è molto succoso.The pomelo is very juicy.
- Vuoi mangiare un pomelo?Do you want to eat a pomelo?
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are shopping for fruit at a market.
- FrancescoGuarda, questo pomelo sembra perfetto.Look, this pomelo looks perfect.
- MartinaHai ragione, prendiamolo.You are right, let's take it.
- FrancescoSai come sbucciare un pomelo?Do you know how to peel a pomelo?
- MartinaSì, Francesco, è molto semplice.Yes, Francesco, it is very simple.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pomelo” translations and entries pomelo, pampaleone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pomelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
