carta velina
The English phrase "tissue paper" is translated into Italian as carta velina.
The term carta velina refers to thin, translucent paper. It is used to describe both the lightweight paper found in arts and crafts and the thin paper used for wrapping delicate items or within gift packaging.
Meaning: thin, translucent paper (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of carta (paper) and velina, a noun derived from velo (veil), literally meaning veiled paper or veil-like paper.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is carte veline, where both the noun and the adjective are changed to the feminine plural.
Did you know?
- While carta velina is used for arts and crafts, if you are looking for facial tissues in a shop, you should ask for fazzoletti di carta instead.
- The root of the word carta connects the Italian word for paper back to the ancient Greek word for papyrus, χάρτης.
- The word velina is also used in Italian to describe a specific type of thin, soft-shell candy wrapper or a delicate liner used in pastry boxes.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di un po' di carta velina.I need some tissue paper.
- La carta velina è molto delicata.The tissue paper is very delicate.
- Usa la carta velina per decorare la scatola.Use the tissue paper to decorate the box.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are preparing decorations for a gift.
- AlessandroHai preso la carta velina colorata?Did you get the colored tissue paper?
- ChiaraSì, l'ho messa nel cesto.Yes, I put it in the basket.
- AlessandroOttimo, Chiara, grazie.Great, Chiara, thank you.
- ChiaraDi nulla, Alessandro.You're welcome, Alessandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tissue paper” translations and entries carta velina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
