zucca
/ˈd͡zuk.ka/
The Italian word for squash is zucca.
zucca refers to a type of edible gourd with a fleshy interior. If you want to specifically describe swan neck squash, you would say zucca a collo di cigno.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈdzuk.ka/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word zucca is the root for the word zuccotto, which is a famous dome-shaped sponge cake.
- In certain Italian slang contexts, calling someone a zucca can imply that the person is a bit of a dummy or a 'blockhead'.
- The term zucca historically referred to the dried shell of the gourd, which was used as a container or a musical instrument before it became primarily a food term.
Examples in context
- Ti piace la zuppa di zucca?Do you like squash soup?This sentence is useful for asking about preference regarding squash soup.Tatoeba #10473416 by Guybrush88, translation #3983923 by Hybrid
- Questa zucca odora di melone.This squash smells like melon.This sentence is useful for describing the scent of a squash.Tatoeba #10473425 by Guybrush88, translation #4483909 by CK
- Questa zucca ha un sapore acido.This squash tastes sour.This sentence is useful for describing the taste of a squash.Tatoeba #10473413 by Guybrush88, translation #8836845 by sundown
- Vuoi assaggiare la zucca arrostita?Do you want to taste the roasted squash?
- Domani mangiamo la zucca arrostita a casa di Luca.Tomorrow we'll eat roasted squash at Luca's place.
- Ieri ho preparato una caponata di melanzane e giaggheddu a modo siciliano.Yesterday, I made an eggplant and squash caponata in the Sicilian way.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are at a local farmers market.
- MartinaQuesta zucca sembra molto fresca.This squash looks very fresh.
- AlessandroSì, è perfetta per la cena.Yes, it is perfect for dinner.
- MartinaVuoi comprarne una, Alessandro?Do you want to buy one, Alessandro?
- AlessandroSì, prendiamola.Yes, let's take it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zucca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
