canottiera
/ka.notˈtjɛ.ra/
The Italian word for undershirt is canottiera.
canottiera refers to an undergarment worn beneath a shirt, which is typically sleeveless and collarless. While the word can also describe a tank top worn as outerwear, it specifically identifies a sleeveless undershirt when used in the context of undergarments.
Meaning: undergarment worn beneath a shirt, often collarless and sleeveless (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from canottiere, which refers to a person who rows a boat. This connection likely stems from the garment's sleeveless and athletic design.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is canottiera and the plural form is canottiere.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /ka.notˈtjɛ.ra/.
Did you know?
- In Italian cinema, a character wearing a canottiera as outerwear is often a visual shorthand used to signal a tough or street-smart working-class personality.
- The word canottiera is essentially a piece of clothing named after a 'dinghy', or small boat.
- Despite its athletic origins, the canottiera became a staple of Italian masculine fashion as a hygiene layer to protect dress shirts from sweat.
Examples in context
- Potrebbe gentilmente passarmi una maglietta intima, per favore?Could you kindly pass me an undershirt, please?
- Mi passi la canottiera, per cortesia?Could you pass me the undershirt, please?
- Porto sempre una canottiera bianca.I always wear a white undershirt.
- Hai bisogno di una canottiera nuova?Do you need a new undershirt?
- Questa canottiera è molto comoda.This undershirt is very comfortable.
Example conversation
Francesco is packing his suitcase for a summer trip.
- ChiaraFrancesco, hai preso la tua canottiera preferita?Francesco, did you take your favorite undershirt?
- FrancescoSì, l'ho messa in valigia stamattina.Yes, I put it in the suitcase this morning.
- ChiaraOttimo, con questo caldo serve.Great, it's needed with this heat.
- FrancescoHai ragione, Chiara.You're right, Chiara.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canottiera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canottiera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
