How to Say “Squid” in Italian

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calamaro
/ka.laˈma.ro/masculine
The Italian word for squid is calamaro.
calamaro refers to the sea animal known as a squid.
Meaning: sea animal (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural of calamaro is calamari. The specific plural form i calamari is used in formal contexts.

How do you pronounce it?

The word is pronounced /ka.laˈma.ro/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable.

Did you know?

  • The word calamaro is closely linked to the word calamaio, which means 'inkwell'. This refers to the ink sacs that squids use for defense.
  • While calamaro is the general term, Italians often use totano to refer to specifically the larger, more pointed squids often found in the Mediterranean.
  • The plural form calamari is one of the most recognized Italian words globally, even by people who do not speak the language, due to its prevalence in international cuisine.

Examples in context

  • Questo calamaro costa cinque sterline.
    This squid is five quid.
    This sentence is useful for discussing the cost of a calamaro.
    Tatoeba #3555911 by Guybrush88, translation #1334733 by Scott
  • Un calamaro ha dieci tentacoli.
    A squid has ten legs.
    This sentence is useful for describing the physical traits of a calamaro.
    Tatoeba #570386 by bruno_b, translation #569669 by CK
  • Il ristorante offre un delizioso piatto di calamari fritti.
    The restaurant serves a delicious plate of fried squid.
  • Nella regione meridionale, il totano è spesso cucinato con pasta e pomodoro.
    In the southern region, squid is often cooked with pasta and tomato sauce.
  • Durante l'estate, ci piace fare un barbecue e grigliare calamaretti freschi.
    During the summer, we enjoy barbecuing and grilling fresh squid.
  • Ho cucinato un'insalata di riso con calamarini e verdure fresche.
    I made a rice salad with small squid and fresh vegetables.
  • Il calamaro è molto fresco.
    The squid is very fresh.

Example conversation

At a seafood restaurant in Italy.

  1. Martina

    Lorenzo, vuoi provare il calamaro?
    Lorenzo, do you want to try the squid?
  2. Lorenzo

    Sì, mi piace molto il calamaro.
    Yes, I like squid a lot.
  3. Martina

    Ottima scelta, è un piatto tipico.
    Great choice, it is a typical dish.
  4. Lorenzo

    Allora ordiniamo subito.
    Then let's order right away.

Sources

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Amber Lily
Amber LilyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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