roba
/ˈrɔ.ba/feminine
The Italian word for stuff is roba.
roba is used to refer to miscellaneous items or belongings. Depending on the context, it can also be used pejoratively to mean rubbish or nonsense.
Meaning: miscellaneous items, things (noun)
Which one should you use?
While roba is used for miscellaneous items, you can use the word cose if you want to be more neutral or less informal. In certain contexts, roba can carry a negative connotation meaning nonsense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
roba is an informal word. For a more neutral tone, consider using cose.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
roba is a feminine noun, so any accompanying adjectives must be in the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈrɔ.ba/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In certain slang contexts, roba is used as a coded term for illegal drugs.
- Historically, roba referred to stolen goods or booty taken during a raid.
- The phrase che roba! is often used as an exclamation to express shock, amazement or disbelief about a situation.
Examples in context
- È la sua roba?Is it his stuff?This sentence shows how to ask if something belongs to someone using roba.Tatoeba #10151820 by Guybrush88, translation #10151817 by ddnktr
- Ci mandi più roba.Send us more stuff.This sentence uses roba to express a request for more items.Tatoeba #4506843 by Guybrush88, translation #4502050 by CK
- Vendi la tua roba.Sell your stuff.This sentence uses roba in the context of selling belongings.Tatoeba #5917123 by Guybrush88, translation #5758298 by CM
- Scusi, potrebbe aiutarmi per favore?Excuse me, could you help me, please?
- Per cortesia, potrei avere…?If you would be so kind, could I have…?
- Posso avere…?Can I have…?
- Per favore, mi presti…?Can you lend me…?
- 275 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are cleaning out a storage room.
- GiuliaAlessandro, cosa facciamo con tutta questa roba?Alessandro, what are we doing with all this stuff?
- AlessandroPossiamo portarla via, Giulia.We can take it away, Giulia.
- GiuliaÈ troppa roba per un solo viaggio.It is too much stuff for one trip.
- AlessandroAllora facciamo due viaggi.Then we will make two trips.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stuff” translations and entries roba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
