mela
/ˈme.la/feminine
The English word for apple is mela in Italian. Wiktionary also lists pomo.
Meaning: fruit of Malus domestica (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mela | /ˈme.la/ | feminine |
| pomo | /ˈpo.mo/ | masculine |
The term refers to the fruit of the Malus domestica.
Which one should you use?
While mela is the standard word for the fruit, pomo is a more archaic or poetic term used in specific botanical or literary contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of northern Italy, pomo may be used as an alternative to mela.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the feminine noun mela is mele.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈme.la/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word pomo is used in the term pomo d'oro, which literally means 'golden apple'. This was the original name for the 'tomato' when it first arrived in Europe from the Americas.
- The word pomo can be used to refer to a 'knob' or 'handle', such as pomo della porta for a 'door knob', because of the fruit's round shape.
- The anatomical term pomo d'Adamo is used to describe the 'Adam's apple'. It uses the archaic term pomo rather than mela.
Examples in context
- La mela è mia.The apple is mine.This sentence is useful for showing possession of the form mela.Tatoeba #10109978 by Guybrush88, translation #10109976 by ddnktr
- Io ho una mela.I have an apple.This sentence is useful for expressing possession of the form mela.Tatoeba #3569180 by Guybrush88, translation #3527268 by adamtrousers
- Mi dia una mela.Give me an apple.This sentence is useful for requesting the form mela.Tatoeba #2531172 by Guybrush88, translation #1041627 by aleyda
- Signore, può darmi una mela?Sir, can you give me an apple?
- Ciao Maria, vuoi una mela?Hey Maria, do you want an apple?
- 787 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are in the kitchen.
- FrancescoGiulia, vuoi una mela?Giulia, do you want an apple?
- GiuliaSì, grazie Francesco.Yes, thank you Francesco.
- FrancescoQuesta mela è molto buona.This apple is very good.
- GiuliaHai ragione, è deliziosa.You are right, it is delicious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apple” translations and entries mela, pomo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
