proteina
/pro.teˈi.na/feminine
The English phrase protein is translated into Italian as proteina.
proteina is a noun used to refer to the class of food known as protein.
Meaning: class of food (noun)
Which one should you use?
Another formal way to refer to protein is sostanza proteica, commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
proteina is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/pro.teˈi.na/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word proteina shares a root with the Greek word proteios, which means 'first' or 'primary', reflecting the belief that these substances are the primary building blocks of life.
- In Italian restaurants, the 'protein' part of a meal is often categorized under secondi, meaning 'second courses', which typically follow a pasta or rice dish.
- If you are discussing a diet high in protein, you would say dieta iperproteica rather than using a direct translation of 'high protein'.
Examples in context
- Nel mio regime alimentare, faccio attenzione a consumare abbastanza proteine.In my diet, I pay attention to consuming enough protein.
- Questa proteina è molto importante per i muscoli.This protein is very important for the muscles.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are talking about their gym diet.
- AlessandroChiara, cosa mangi dopo l'allenamento?Chiara, what do you eat after your workout?
- ChiaraPrendo uno shake per avere più proteina.I have a shake to get more protein.
- AlessandroOttima idea, serve per i muscoli.Great idea, it is needed for the muscles.
- ChiaraEsatto, è fondamentale per recuperare.Exactly, it is fundamental for recovery.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “protein” translations and entries proteina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
