Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| biancheria intima | feminine | |
| intimo | /ˈin.ti.mo/ | masculine |
| (colluquial) mutande | feminine, plural |
The term is used to describe clothes worn next to the skin. You can use biancheria intima as a general term for the category of items, while intimo is frequently used as a collective noun to describe the state of wearing underwear, such as in the phrase in intimo (in one's underwear). In a shopping context, Italians sometimes mention reggiseni e slip together when looking for lingerie.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase biancheria intima is composed of biancheria (linen or underwear) and intima (intimate or inner).
Which one should you use?
Biancheria intima is a formal or general term for the category of underwear. In contrast, the colloquial mutande refers more specifically to the garments themselves. While biancheria intima refers to the items, the masculine noun intimo is often used to describe the state of being dressed in underwear.
How does it change in a sentence?
Mutande is a feminine plural noun and is almost always used in the plural form, even when referring to a single piece of underwear. To say someone is 'in their underwear', use the preposition in followed by the masculine noun intimo.
Did you know?
- The word mutande literally translates to 'things that must be changed', derived from the Latin verb meaning 'to change'.
- In Italian, biancheria can refer to both underwear and household linens, such as bed sheets and tablecloths.
- The word intimo can also mean 'deepest' or 'most private' when used metaphorically, such as in 'il mio intimo pensiero', meaning 'my innermost thought'.
Examples in context
- Io sono in intimo.I'm in my underwear.This sentence is useful for saying you are currently wearing your underwear using intimo.Tatoeba #2337481 by Guybrush88, translation #1891004 by CK
- Tom era in intimo.Tom was in his underwear.This sentence is useful for describing what Tom was wearing using intimo.Tatoeba #4391341 by Guybrush88, translation #1867756 by CK
- La mia biancheria intima è sporca.My underwear is dirty.This sentence is useful for describing dirty biancheria intima.Tatoeba #7810729 by Guybrush88, translation #7790189 by sharris123
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are packing for a trip.
- SofiaHai preso tutta la tua biancheria intima?Did you pack all your underwear?
- MatteoSì, l'ho messa nella valigia.Yes, I put it in the suitcase.
- SofiaOttimo, allora siamo pronti.Great, then we are ready.
- MatteoAspetta, controllo subito.Wait, I'll check right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underwear” translations and entries intimo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries biancheria, intimo, mutande, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
