granchio della neve
The English phrase "snow crab" is translated into Italian as granchio della neve.
This term refers to the specific crustacean species Chionoectes opilo.
Meaning: Chionoectes opilo (noun)
Which one should you use?
Granchio di neve is a formal variation.
Did you know?
- Italian has a specific distinction between granchio and cancro. While granchio refers to the animal you eat, cancro is used almost exclusively for the zodiac sign or the disease.
- The word granchio evolved from a diminutive Latin form cancrulus, meaning 'little crab'. Over centuries, the 'little' version of the word replaced the original standard term in Italian.
Examples in context
- Scusi, c'è il granchio di neve sul menu?Excuse me, is snow crab on the menu?
- Il granchio della neve è molto pregiato.The snow crab is very precious.
- Vorrei assaggiare il granchio della neve.I would like to taste the snow crab.
- Abbiamo comprato un granchio della neve fresco.We bought a fresh snow crab.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are looking at a seafood menu in a restaurant.
- LorenzoCosa ne pensi del granchio della neve?What do you think of the snow crab?
- ChiaraSembra delizioso, Lorenzo.It looks delicious, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoOrdino un piatto di granchio della neve.I will order a snow crab dish.
- ChiaraOttima scelta!Great choice!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries della, granchio, neve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
