Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| setaccio | /seˈtat.t͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| scolino | /skoˈli.no/ | masculine |
| crivello | /kriˈvɛl.lo/ | masculine |
| vaglio | /ˈvaʎ.ʎo/ | masculine |
| tamiso | /taˈmi.zo/ | masculine |
A sieve is a device used to separate larger objects from smaller ones or from liquids. While the noun refers to the tool, the related verb setacciare means to strain, sift or sort using a sieve. This verb is frequently used figuratively to mean 'to scrutinize' or 'to vet' information or people.
Which one should you use?
The different Italian terms for sieve are chosen based on context. Setaccio is the most common, general term for a sieve used in cooking or gardening. In contrast, vaglio is typically used in industrial, agricultural or technical contexts, such as sifting grain or sand. Finally, crivello is a more formal or literary term for a sieve.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word setaccio is a masculine noun. Its plural form is setacci.
How do you pronounce it?
The word setaccio is pronounced /seˈtat.tʃo/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the related verb crivellare. Although it is related to the noun crivello, it does not mean 'to sift'. Instead, it usually means to pierce or riddle something with holes (like bullets) rather than to sift.
Did you know?
- The word setaccio comes from the Latin saeta, which refers to a bristle or a stiff hair. This reveals that early sieves were often made from woven animal hairs rather than metal or fabric.
- In Italian, the verb setacciare is commonly used as a metaphor for police or investigators searching an area or a database very thoroughly. It describes the mental act of sifting through evidence to find a specific detail.
- If you are looking for a small sieve used specifically for draining pasta, you would call it a scolapasta. This is a combination of the verb scolare, meaning 'to drain', and 'pasta'.
Examples in context
- Oggi ho usato un setaccio per separare la farina mentre facevo una torta.Today, I used a sieve to separate the flour while baking a cake.
- In Lombardia, spesso si usa il termine "crivel" per indicare il setaccio.In Lombardy, they often use the term "crivel" to refer to a sieve.
- Usa un setaccio per la farina.Use a sieve for the flour.
- Il setaccio è pieno di sabbia.The sieve is full of sand.
- Ho bisogno di un setaccio nuovo.I need a new sieve.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are in the kitchen preparing dough.
- MartinaAlessandro, dove hai messo il setaccio?Alessandro, where did you put the sieve?
- AlessandroÈ nel cassetto sotto il lavandino.It is in the drawer under the sink.
- MartinaGrazie, devo setacciare il cacao.Thanks, I need to sift the cocoa.
- AlessandroVa bene, lo prendo io.Alright, I will get it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sieve” translations and entries setaccio, scolino, crivello, vaglio, tamiso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crivello, scolino, setaccio, vaglio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
