pantofola
/panˈtɔ.fo.la/feminine
The English word slipper is translated into Italian as pantofola. Wiktionary also lists ciabatta and babbuccia.
Meaning: low shoe usually worn indoors (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pantofola | /panˈtɔ.fo.la/ | feminine |
| ciabatta | /t͡ʃaˈbat.ta/ | feminine |
| babbuccia | /babˈbut.t͡ʃa/ | feminine |
These terms refer to low shoes typically worn indoors for comfort.
Which one should you use?
pantofola is the most common word for a soft, indoor slipper used for comfort. ciabatta refers to a slipper that is often more structured, like a slide or a flip-flop and can also be used for outdoor footwear. babbuccia is a more traditional or literary term for a soft slipper, often implying a more ornate or old-fashioned style.
How does it change in a sentence?
To talk about more than one, use the plural form pantofole for pantofola and ciabatte for ciabatta. All three main forms are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word pantofola is pronounced /panˈtɔ.fo.la/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ciabatta does not only describe a slipper but is also the name of a famous long and thin type of Italian bread.
- The word ciabatta can also be used to describe an electrical power strip because of its similar shape.
Examples in context
- Mi può mostrare delle pantofole, per favore?Could you show me some slippers, please?
- Ho comprato delle pantofole nuove ieri, sono così comode!I bought new slippers yesterday, they are so comfortable!
- La mia pantofola è sotto il letto.My slipper is under the bed.
- Questa pantofola è molto comoda.This slipper is very comfortable.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are at home in the living room.
- SofiaAlessandro, mi presti una tua pantofola?Alessandro, can you lend me one of your slippers?
- AlessandroCerto, Sofia, guarda sotto il divano.Sure, Sofia, look under the sofa.
- SofiaNon vedo nessuna pantofola qui.I don't see any slipper here.
- AlessandroAh, sono in cucina!Ah, they are in the kitchen!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slipper” translations and entries pantofola, ciabatta, babbuccia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babbuccia, ciabatta, pantofola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
