bistecca
/bisˈtek.ka/feminine
The Italian word for steak is bistecca.
bistecca is used to refer to a slice of beef. If you wish to specify a particular cut like a filet mignon, you can say filetto di manzo. To describe a steak that is grilled, Italians often use the phrase bistecca alla griglia.
Meaning: slice of beef (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bistecca is bistecche.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /bisˈtek.ka/.
When do people say it?
When ordering how your steak is cooked, use al sangue to request it rare or ben cotta to request it well done. A very famous specific type of thick-cut T-bone steak from Tuscany is known as bistecca alla fiorentina.
Did you know?
- The word bistecca is an unexpected guest in the Italian language, having been borrowed directly from the English 'beefsteak'.
- In Tuscany, a traditional bistecca alla fiorentina is typically served very rare, and asking for it ben cotta is often considered a culinary faux pas.
- A true bistecca alla fiorentina must be cut from the Chianina breed of cattle, which are white cows native to Tuscany.
Examples in context
- Mi piace la bistecca.I like steak.This sentence shows how to express a preference for bistecca.Tatoeba #6609521 by Guybrush88, translation #6890569 by CK
- Era una buona bistecca.That was a good steak.This sentence is used to describe the quality of a bistecca.Tatoeba #11846685 by Guybrush88, translation #3532134 by CK
- La bistecca è ben fatta.The steak is well done.This sentence demonstrates how to describe the cooking level of a bistecca.Tatoeba #5346547 by Guybrush88, translation #50297 by CK
- Vorrei ordinare una bistecca al sangue, per favore.I would like to order a rare steak, please.
- Per me un filetto di manzo con contorno di verdure.I'll have a filet mignon with a side of vegetables.
- Ho voglia di una gustosa bistecca alla griglia con patatine fritte.I'm craving a tasty grilled steak with french fries.
- Mi piacerebbe una fettina di manzo sottile per fare una deliziosa carne alla pizzaiola.I'd like a thin slice of steak to make a delicious steak pizzaiola.
- 151 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are ordering dinner at a restaurant.
- GiuliaIo vorrei una bistecca ai ferri.I would like a grilled steak.
- MatteoAnche io prendo la bistecca.I'll have the steak too.
- GiuliaLa preferisci al sangue o ben cotta?Do you prefer it rare or well done?
- MatteoPer me al sangue, grazie.Rare for me, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steak” translations and entries bistecca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bistecca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
