spaghetti
/spaˈɡet.ti/
In Italian, the word for spaghetti is spaghetti.
spaghetti refers to a type of pasta made in the shape of long, thin strings. You may encounter specific varieties such as Spaghetti alla chitarra, which is made using a guitar-like device to cut the pasta into thin strips or Spaghetti di grano duro, which indicates the pasta is made from durum wheat. In a broader culinary context, spaghetti falls under the category of Pasta lunga, a term used for all types of long and thin pasta.
Meaning: type of pasta made in the shape of long thin strings (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
spaghetti is the plural form of the masculine noun lo spaghetto.
How do you pronounce it?
/spaˈɡet.ti/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is generally considered a culinary faux pas to cut spaghetti with a knife. Doing so is often seen as an insult to the chef or a breach of dining etiquette.
- The word spaghetti is actually a diminutive, meaning it literally translates to 'little strings'.
- Authentic spaghetti are never served with a spoon to help wind them around the fork. Using a spoon is often viewed as a habit for children or foreigners.
Examples in context
- Io amo gli spaghetti!I love spaghetti!This sentence is useful for expressing a strong liking for spaghetti.Tatoeba #7017588 by Guybrush88, translation #6600787 by Eccles17
- Io amo gli spaghetti.I love spaghetti.This sentence is useful for expressing a liking for spaghetti.Tatoeba #13297350 by Guybrush88, translation #11429158 by Agestur
- Tom ama gli spaghetti.Tom loves spaghetti.This sentence is useful for expressing that Tom likes spaghetti.Tatoeba #7946601 by Guybrush88, translation #7943164 by CK
- Vorrei un piatto di spaghetti al pomodoro, per favore.I would like a plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce, please.
- A Napoli vorrei gustare degli spaghettoni alla Nerano.In Naples, I would like to savor some Nerano-style thick spaghetti.
- Che ne dici di cucinare degli spaghettini al pesto?What do you say to cooking some spaghetti with pesto sauce?
- Buon appetito! Questi spaghetti sono deliziosi!Enjoy your meal! These spaghetti are delicious!
- 234 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to cook for dinner.
- AlessandroVuoi mangiare gli spaghetti stasera?Do you want to eat spaghetti tonight?
- SofiaSì, mi piacciono molto gli spaghetti.Yes, I really like spaghetti.
- AlessandroAllora cucino gli spaghetti al pomodoro.Then I will cook spaghetti with tomato sauce.
- SofiaOttima idea, Alessandro!Great idea, Alessandro!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spaghetti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spaghetti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
