erba
slang, common
The common Italian slang word for weed is erba, literally "grass". Others are maria, short for marijuana, and canna, which means a joint.
Meaning: slang for cannabis (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| erba | slang, common |
| Maria | slang |
| Canna | slang, joint |
Erba is the word you hear most in everyday talk. Canna is the joint itself, and farsi una canna means "to smoke a joint".
Which one should you use?
Marijuana is the neutral word in news and official talk. Spinello is another word for a joint. Fumo is used for hashish, but it can also mean plain smoke.
When do people say it?
Cannabis for recreation is illegal in Italy, so these words come up in casual talk among friends and in news stories rather than in public conversation.
Did you know?
- Farsi una canna literally means "to make oneself a cane", because canna also means a reed or a cane.
Examples in context
- Ha trovato dell'erba in casa.He found some weed at home.
- Si sono fatti una canna.They smoked a joint.
- Parlano di maria in TV.They talk about marijuana on TV.
Example conversation
Two students, Fabio and Irene, read a news story about cannabis laws.
- FabioDicono che sequestrano molta erba.They say they seize a lot of weed.
- IreneSì, l'ho letto stamattina.Yes, I read it this morning.
- FabioIl tema è ancora molto discusso.The topic is still much debated.
