forbici
/ˈfɔr.bi.t͡ʃi/
The Italian word for scissor is forbici.
The term forbici refers to the cutting tool. You can specify the type of scissors by adding da followed by their purpose, such as forbici da cucito (sewing scissors), forbici da carta (paper scissors), forbici da ufficio (office scissors) or forbici da cucina (kitchen scissors). If you need to maintain them, a scissors sharpener is an affilatore di forbici.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain dialects, the form forbice may be used as a masculine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
Forbici is a plural-only noun (*plurale tantum*), which means it is almost always used with a plural article and a plural verb, such as le forbici. If you want to refer to a single unit of scissors, do not try to use a singular form of the word. Instead, use the phrase un paio di forbici (a pair of scissors).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɔr.bi.tʃi/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular form forbice to refer to the tool. In standard Italian, you should use the plural forbici to refer to the tool.
Did you know?
- The word forbici shares its DNA with the English word 'forfeit', as both trace back to the same Latin root for 'cutting' or 'taking' something away.
- In the world of sports and dance, the phrase fare le forbici describes a movement where the legs cross and uncross like the blades of a pair of scissors.
- Italian uses the word forbice figuratively to describe 'cuts' or reductions made to a budget or a written text.
Examples in context
- Le forbici che hai comprato sono troppo grandi.The scissors you bought are too big.
- Ricordati di mettere le forbici nel cassetto.Remember to put the scissors in the drawer.
- Le forbici sono sul tavolo.The scissors are on the table.
- Mi servono delle forbici per il cucito.I need some scissors for sewing.
- Dove hai messo le forbici?Where did you put the scissors?
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are crafting at a table.
- FrancescoGiulia, hai visto le forbici?Giulia, have you seen the scissors?
- GiuliaSì, sono sul tavolo.Yes, they are on the table.
- FrancescoNon le vedo, dove sono?I don't see them, where are they?
- GiuliaEcco le forbici, Francesco.Here are the scissors, Francesco.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry forbici, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries forbici, CC BY-SA 4.0.
