spiedino
The English phrase 'skewer' is translated into Italian as spiedino.
spiedino refers to a small skewer typically filled with pieces of meat, vegetables or fruit. For other types of sticks, Italian speakers might use different terms: lo stecchino refers to a small stick or rod used for holding and grilling food, while lo spiedo refers to a large spit used for roasting meat.
Meaning: pin used to secure food during cooking (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
spiedino is a diminutive of spiedo, meaning 'little skewer'.
Which one should you use?
While spiedino refers to a small skewer (often for single portions), spiedo refers to a large spit used for roasting meat over a fire.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of spiedino is spiedini. The related verb impalare means to impale on a skewer.
Did you know?
- The word impalare means 'to impale', but in a culinary context it refers to threading food onto a spiedino. Outside the kitchen, however, the word carries a dark historical association with execution by impalement.
- Unlike in some cultures where skewers are a main course, spiedini are traditionally served as part of an antipasto or an aperitivo snack.
- The term spiedo is not just a kitchen tool but is a household name in Italy through the dish pollo allo spiedo, the common rotisserie chicken found in every deli.
Examples in context
- Ieri ho grigliato deliziosi spiedini di pollo e verdure.Yesterday, I grilled delicious chicken and vegetable skewers.
- Mi piacerebbe preparare degli spiedini misti per il pranzo di domani.I would like to prepare mixed skewers for tomorrow's lunch.
- spiedini di carneMeat skewers
- Ho preparato uno spiedino di verdure.I prepared a vegetable skewer.
- Passami lo spiedino di pollo, per favore.Pass me the chicken skewer, please.
- Ogni spiedino ha due pezzi di carne.Each skewer has two pieces of meat.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are preparing dinner together in the kitchen.
- GiuliaFrancesco, dove sono gli spiedini?Francesco, where are the skewers?
- FrancescoSono nel cassetto vicino al forno.They are in the drawer near the oven.
- GiuliaGrazie, ora posso fare lo spiedino di pesce.Thanks, now I can make the fish skewer.
- FrancescoOttimo, sembra che sarà delizioso!Great, it looks like it will be delicious!
