sciarpa
/ˈʃar.pa/feminine
The English phrase scarf is sciarpa in Italian. If unsure, use sciarpa. Wiktionary also lists scaldacollo.
Meaning: long garment worn around the neck (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sciarpa | /ˈʃar.pa/ | feminine |
| scaldacollo | masculine |
A scarf is a long garment worn around the neck. You may hear the colloquial term fazzoletto used to refer to a small scarf, though it generally means handkerchief.
Which one should you use?
sciarpa is the feminine noun, while scaldacollo is a masculine term. The diminutive sciarpetta is used to mean a little scarf.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the feminine noun sciarpa is sciarpe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃar.pa/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The root of sciarpa comes from the Frankish word *skirpa, which originally described a 'bandoleer' or belt used to carry gear across the chest.
- The term scaldacollo is a verb-object compound that literally translates to 'neck warmer'.
- Using the diminutive sciarpetta does not always refer to the physical size of the scarf but can be used to express affection or a sense of 'cuteness'.
Examples in context
- Tom ha una sciarpa?Does Tom have a scarf?This sentence is useful for asking if Tom has a sciarpa.Tatoeba #9265319 by Guybrush88, translation #8834007 by CK
- La mia sciarpa è blu.My scarf is blue.This sentence is useful for describing a sciarpa as being blue.Tatoeba #11275294 by Guybrush88, translation #4410141 by XenoKat
- Io amo quella sciarpa.I love that scarf.This sentence is useful for expressing love for a specific sciarpa.Tatoeba #2010429 by Guybrush88, translation #1887552 by CK
- Ho comprato una bellissima sciarpa di seta per il compleanno di mia madre.I bought a beautiful silk scarf for my mother's birthday.
- Mi puoi prestare la tua sciarpa? Fa più freddo del previsto oggi.Can you lend me your scarf? It's colder than expected today.
- Ha indossato un foulard colorato al matrimonio.She wore a colorful foulard to the wedding.
- La nonna si lega sempre un fazzoletto intorno al collo quando c'è vento.Nonna always ties a fazzoletto around her neck when it's windy.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are getting ready to go outside in winter.
- FrancescoGiulia, dove hai messo la mia sciarpa?Giulia, where did you put my scarf?
- GiuliaLa tua sciarpa è nell'armadio, Francesco.Your scarf is in the wardrobe, Francesco.
- FrancescoNon la trovo, mi aiuti per favore?I can't find it, can you help me please?
- GiuliaEccola, è proprio qui davanti a te!Here it is, it's right here in front of you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scarf” translations and entries sciarpa, scaldacollo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries scaldacollo, sciarpa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
