laccio
/ˈlat.t͡ʃo/masculine
The English phrase "shoelace" is translated into Italian as laccio or stringa.
Meaning: for fastening a shoe (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| laccio | /ˈlat.t͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| stringa | /ˈstrin.ɡa/ | feminine |
Both words refer to a cord used for fastening a shoe. It is very common in Italian to use the phrase lacci delle scarpe (laces of the shoes) to specify that you are talking about shoelaces.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form laccio becomes lacci in the plural. The feminine form stringa becomes stringhe in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈlat.tʃo/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word laccio is a doublet of the English word 'lasso'. Both descend from the Latin laqueus meaning a noose or snare.
- The Italian language uses the verb allacciare for both tying shoelaces and fastening a seatbelt.
- The word stringa can also mean a 'streak' or a 'strip' of something, like a 'stringa di sangue' meaning a 'streak of blood'.
Examples in context
- Si sciolse il laccio della scarpa.The shoelace came untied.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use laccio.Tatoeba #1343984 by marco87, translation #18101 by BraveSentry
- Mi scusi, avete dei lacci per scarpe?Excuse me, do you have any shoelaces?
- Ho bisogno di comprare nuovi laccetti per le scarpeI need to buy new shoelaces for my shoes.
- Ho perso le stringhe delle scarpe!I lost my shoelaces!
- Il laccio della scarpa è troppo corto.The shoelace is too short.
- Devi annodare bene ogni laccio.You must tie every lace well.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are getting ready to go for a walk.
- MatteoChiara, aspetta, si è sciolto un laccio!Chiara, wait, a shoelace came undone!
- ChiaraNon ti preoccupare, fai con calma.Don't worry, take your time.
- MatteoEcco fatto, ora possiamo andare.There we go, now we can go.
- ChiaraAndiamo, Matteo, facciamo tardi!Let's go, Matteo, we're running late!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shoelace” translations and entries laccio, stringa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries laccio, stringa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
