zucchina
/d͡zukˈki.na/
The Italian word for zucchini is zucchina.
The word refers to a long green summer squash used as a vegetable in cooking.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /dzukˈki.na/.
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, the word zucca can be used to refer to a person's head, and calling someone a zucca can imply they are dim-witted.
- In Italy, zucchine are often prepared as zucchine alla scapece, a traditional Neapolitan dish where they are fried and marinated in vinegar and mint.
- The word zucchina is a diminutive of zucca, which means 'gourd' or 'pumpkin'. Literally, a zucchina is just a 'little gourd'.
Examples in context
- Ho comprato delle deliziose zucchine al mercato oggi.I bought some delicious zucchini at the market today.
- Vorrei comprare una zucchina.I would like to buy a zucchini.
- Taglia la zucchina a rondelle.Slice the zucchini into rounds.
- Questa zucchina è molto fresca.This zucchini is very fresh.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- GiuliaLorenzo, hai preso la zucchina?Lorenzo, did you get the zucchini?
- LorenzoSì, ho comprato una zucchina grande.Yes, I bought a large zucchini.
- GiuliaPerfetto, la cucino subito.Perfect, I will cook it immediately.
- LorenzoOttima idea, Giulia.Great idea, Giulia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zucchina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zucchina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
