mutande
/muˈtan.de/
The English phrase "undies" translates to the Italian word mutande.
The word mutande is used to refer to the clothing worn on the lower part of the body. It is the standard, common term for this type of garment in everyday speech.
Which one should you use?
While mutande refers specifically to the garment itself, biancheria intima is a more general or formal term used to describe "undergarments" or "intimate apparel" as a whole.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mutande is an informal, everyday word. For more formal contexts, such as when discussing "intimate garments" in a professional or polite setting, you may use the phrase indumenti intimi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /muˈtan.de/.
Did you know?
- The word mutande shares a root with the English word 'mutate', as both come from the Latin concept of change and alteration.
- Because mutande is always plural, using it in the singular form mutanda usually refers to a single leg of a pair of tights or a very specific style of garment.
- While mutande is the standard term, you might hear Italians use the word slip when referring specifically to brief-style underwear. This English loanword is very common in Italian fashion and everyday speech.
Examples in context
- Marco ha dimenticato le sue mutande nella camera d'albergo.Marco forgot his undies in the hotel room.
- Le culotte che ho comprato sono molto carine.The panties I bought are very cute.
- Ho comprato delle mutande nuove.I bought some new undies.
- Devo comprare delle mutande nuove.I need to buy some new undies.
- Le tue mutande sono nel cesto della biancheria.Your undies are in the laundry basket.
- Non trovo le mie mutande preferite.I can't find my favorite undies.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are packing for a weekend trip.
- GiuliaHai messo le mutande in valigia?Did you put your undies in the suitcase?
- LorenzoSì, ho preso tutto.Yes, I packed everything.
- GiuliaControlla bene, non vorrai mica dimenticarle!Check carefully, you wouldn't want to forget them!
- LorenzoTranquilla, ho controllato la lista.Don't worry, I checked the list.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mutande, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mutande, CC BY-SA 4.0.
