filato
/fiˈla.to/masculine
The English word 'yarn' is translated into Italian as filato. Wiktionary also lists filo.
Meaning: fiber strand for knitting or weaving (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| filato | /fiˈla.to/ | masculine |
| filo | /ˈfi.lo/ | masculine |
filato refers specifically to the fiber strands used for knitting or weaving. On commercial product labels, you will typically see this material identified as filato. To specify the material the yarn is made of, use the construction filato di followed by the material, such as filato di lana for wool yarn.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between filato and filo. While filato refers to yarn used for knitting or weaving, filo is used for thinner thread used for sewing or general string.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular masculine noun filato becomes the plural filati to express 'yarns'.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiˈla.to/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word filo is used to describe a tiny amount of something, such as un filo d'olio when adding a 'trickle' of olive oil to a pan.
- The word filo is inherited from the Latin 'fīlum', which is the same root that gave English the word 'filament'.
- While 'yarn' in English can also mean a long, tall tale, the Italian filato is strictly limited to the physical material and cannot be used to describe a story.
Examples in context
- Ai gatti piace il filato.Cats like yarn.This sentence uses filato to describe a subject that enjoys it.Tatoeba #12762670 by Guybrush88, translation #9192551 by DJ_Saidez
- Quali sono i vantaggi e gli svantaggi del filato di cotone al latte?What are the advantages and disadvantages of milk cotton yarn?This sentence uses filato to discuss the pros and cons of a specific material.Tatoeba #12938963 by Guybrush88, translation #12894888 by araneo
- Il gattino ha rotolato il filato attraverso il pavimento.The kitten rolled the yarn across the floor.This sentence uses filato to describe the movement of an object across a floor.Tatoeba #12719198 by ildorato, translation #681965 by Source_VOA
- Ho appena comprato duemila metri di filo di lana per il mio nuovo progetto.I just bought two thousand meters of wool yarn for my new project.
- Sto cercando un negozio che venda filati di alta qualità.I am looking for a store that sells high-quality yarns.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are at a craft store.
- GiuliaCerco un filato di lana morbida.I am looking for a soft wool yarn.
- MatteoQuesto filato blu è perfetto per te.This blue yarn is perfect for you.
- GiuliaÈ molto bello, lo prendo.It is very beautiful, I will take it.
- MatteoOttima scelta, Giulia.Great choice, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yarn” translations and entries filato, filo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries filo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
