tartufo
/tarˈtu.fo/masculine
A truffle is tartufo in Italian.
tartufo names the edible fungus and also a chocolate sweet shaped like one. For example, Il risotto al tartufo è molto gustoso means Truffle risotto is very delicious.
Meaning: tuber (noun)
Which one should you use?
A truffle hunter is a tartufaio and a truffle grower is a tartuficoltore. The affectionate diminutive Tartufino means little truffle.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Umbria, the large black summer truffle is called scorzone, as in L'Umbria è famosa per lo scorzone (Umbria is famous for the summer truffle).
How does it change in a sentence?
tartufo is masculine, as in Mi piace il tartufo (I like truffle). The plural is tartufi.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /tarˈtu.fo/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second.
When do people say it?
In a restaurant you can ask Ci sono piatti con il tartufo? (Are there any dishes with truffle?). White truffle is especially prized, as in Il tartufo bianco è pregiato (White truffle is valuable).
Did you know?
- The word tartufo is used in Italian to describe a hypocrite or a person who puts on a false front. This usage comes from the famous character Tartuffe in Molière's play.
- Because truffles are hard to find, the tartufaio often works with trained dogs that are legally registered and specialized in scenting specific varieties.
Examples in context
- Il tartufo nero ha un profumo intenso.The black truffle has an intense scent.
- Ho comprato un tartufo fresco al mercato.I bought a fresh truffle at the market.
- Questo piatto con il tartufo è delizioso.This dish with truffle is delicious.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- MartinaGuarda, c'è un piatto con il tartufo!Look, there is a dish with truffle!
- MatteoDavvero? Lo ordiniamo insieme, Martina?Really? Shall we order it together, Martina?
- MartinaSì, adoro il sapore del tartufo.Yes, I love the taste of truffle.
- MatteoOttima idea, allora prendiamo quello.Great idea, let's get that one then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “truffle” translations and entries tartufo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tartufo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
