seta
/ˈse.ta/feminine
The Italian word for silk is seta.
seta is a feminine noun used to refer to the fabric. If you want to describe an object as being made of silk, you should use the preposition di before the noun, forming the phrase di seta.
Meaning: fabric (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun seta refers to the material itself, while the adjective setoso is used to describe something as being silky in texture or appearance.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing an object made of silk, use the preposition di before seta.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈse.ta/.
Did you know?
- The Italian word seta comes from the Latin saeta, which originally referred to a stiff bristle or hair rather than a soft fabric.
- In the context of high fashion, an Italian designer might refer to the 'mano' (hand) of the seta to describe how the silk feels when touched.
- The phrase un guanto di seta is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a gentle approach to a difficult problem.
Examples in context
- La seta è soffice al tatto.Silk feels soft.This sentence is useful for describing the texture of seta.Tatoeba #4781672 by Guybrush88, translation #239261 by CM
- Tom ha una sciarpa di seta.Tom has a silk scarf.This sentence shows how to use seta to describe a scarf.Tatoeba #4818135 by Guybrush88, translation #1520843 by Spamster
- Indossa delle calze di seta!Wear silk socks!This sentence shows how to use seta to describe socks.Tatoeba #7917357 by Guybrush88, translation #7825937 by sharris123
- La cravatta è fatta di setaThe tie is made of silk
- Vorrei una sciarpa in seta puraI would like a scarf in pure silk
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are looking at a dress in a boutique.
- ChiaraÈ un abito di seta?Is it a silk dress?
- LorenzoSì, è tutta seta pura.Yes, it is all pure silk.
- ChiaraLa seta è bellissima.The silk is beautiful.
- LorenzoHai ragione, è molto elegante.You are right, it is very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silk” translations and entries seta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries seta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
