scarpa
/ˈskar.pa/feminine
The Italian word for shoe is scarpa. Wiktionary also lists calzatura.
Meaning: protective covering for the foot (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| scarpa | /ˈskar.pa/ | feminine |
| calzatura | /kal.t͡saˈtu.ra/ | feminine |
The term scarpa is used to refer to a protective covering for the foot. Related to this concept is the verb calzare, which means to put shoes on one's feet and rivestire, which means to equip with protection.
Which one should you use?
While scarpa refers specifically to a single shoe, calzatura is a broader term used to describe footwear in general. For heavy, sturdy boots or large shoes, the word scarponi is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Scarpa is a feminine noun. Its plural form is scarpe.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈskar.pa/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term scarponi refers to large boots, but it is also used colloquially to describe someone who is clumsy or unskilled in a particular activity.
- The word scarpa is not a native Latin descendant like many Italian nouns, but instead has roots in Gothic, a Germanic language.
- While scarpa refers to the shoe, the verb calzare is used not only for footwear but also to describe how a ring fits on a finger.
Examples in context
- Si allacci la scarpa.Tie your shoe.This sentence is useful for the command to tie a scarpa.Tatoeba #1739647 by Guybrush88, translation #843584 by odiernod
- Questa scarpa mi va bene.This shoe fits me well.This sentence is useful for describing how a scarpa fits.Tatoeba #2431736 by Guybrush88, translation #464204 by lukaszpp
- Ho un sasso nella scarpa.There is a rock in my shoe.This sentence is useful for describing having a rock in a scarpa.Tatoeba #2535636 by Guybrush88, translation #772740 by marloncori
- Ho bisogno di un nuovo paio di scarpeI need a new pair of shoes
- La calzatura italiana è rinomata in tutto il mondoItalian footwear is renowned worldwide
- Ho comprato una scarpa nuovaI bought a new shoe
- Indosso le scarpeI'm wearing the shoes
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are shopping for clothes in a boutique.
- AlessandroGiulia, che ne pensi di questa scarpa?Giulia, what do you think of this shoe?
- GiuliaÈ molto elegante, Alessandro.It is very elegant, Alessandro.
- AlessandroPerò mi sembra un po' pesante.But it seems a bit heavy to me.
- GiuliaProva un altro modello.Try another model.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shoe” translations and entries scarpa, calzatura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calzatura, scarpa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
