Food names in Italian
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
Food (il cibo) is one of the most meaningful aspects of Italian culture.
Let's start with an overview on Italian food.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
In the following table you'll find the main kinds of meat (la carne).
Italian | English |
---|---|
la bistecca | the steak |
il pollo | the chicken |
il maiale | the pork |
l'arrosto | the roast |
lo stufato | the stew |
le costolette | the ribs |
le polpette | the meatballs |
la salsiccia | the sausage |
il prosciutto cotto | the cooked ham |
il prosciutto crudo | the raw ham |
la pancetta | the bacon |
il salame | the salami |
In the following table you'll find the main kinds of seafood (il pesce/ i frutti di mare).
Italian | English |
---|---|
il pesce | the fish |
il merluzzo | the cod |
il tonno | the tuna |
l'acciuga | the anchovy |
il polpo | the octopus |
il gambero | the shrimp |
il gamberetto | the little shrimp |
il calamaro | the squid |
l'aragosta | the lobster |
l'ostrica | the oyster |
la vongola | the clam |
la cozza | the mussel |
il salmone | the saumon |
la trota | the trout |
la sardina | the sardine |
In the following table you'll find the main kinds of vegetables (le verdure).
Italian | English |
---|---|
il pomodoro | the tomato |
la carota | the carrot |
la lattuga | the lettuce |
l'insalata | the salad |
il carciofo | the artichoke |
il cavolo | the cabbage |
il cavolfiore | the cauliflower |
la melanzana | the eggplant |
la zucchina | the zucchini |
il peperone | the pepper |
il peperoncino | the chili pepper |
il cetriolo | the cucumber |
la zucca | the pumpkin |
l'aglio | the garlic |
la cipolla | the onion |
la patata | the potato |
i fagioli | the beans |
i fagiolini | the green beans |
i piselli | the peas |
i funghi | the mushrooms |
In the following table you'll find the main kinds of fruit (la frutta).
Be careful!
"Il frutto" is one singular unit of fruit (the fruit)," i frutti" are more than one frutto (the fruits), "la frutta" is a part of the meal or a category among food.
Italian | English |
---|---|
la mela | the apple |
l'arancia | the orange |
il limone | the lemon |
la pera | the pear |
l'uva | the grapes |
la pesca | the peach |
l'albicocca | the apricot |
la fragola | the strawberry |
il mirtillo | the blueberry |
la mora | the blackberry |
la ciliegia | the cherry |
l'ananas | the pineapple |
il melone | the melon |
l'anguria | the watermelon |
In the following table you'll find the main desserts (i dolci).
Italian | English |
---|---|
il dolce | the dessert |
il cioccolato | the chocolate |
la torta | the cake |
la crostata | the pie |
il gelato | the ice cream |
la panna | the cream |
la panna montata | the whipped cream |
la crema pasticcera | the custard |
Another typical Italian dessert are:
The most important Italian meals are breakfast (la colazione), lunch (il pranzo) e dinner (la cena).
Especially among kids, it's also common to have a snack (la merenda).
Some expression that can be useful in this context are to be hungry that translates as avere fame and to be thirsty that translates as avere sete.
Be careful! To express the need of eating/drinking:
In English verb to be + adjective vs. in Italian verb to have + noun
Breakfast is eaten right after waking up and usually involves:
Italian | English |
---|---|
il latte | the milk |
i cereali | the cereals |
il cornetto | the croissant |
la marmellata | the jam |
i biscotti | the biscuits |
il burro | the butter |
le fette biscottate | the crisp bread |
il té | the tea |
il caffé | the coffee |
la cioccolata calda | the hot chocolate |
lo zucchero | the sugar |
il miele | the honey |
il succo di frutta | the fruit juice |
la frutta | the fruit |
la nutella | the nutella |
As you can see, Italian breakfast is usually based on sweet food.
Lunch is eaten from 12 am or 2 pm while dinner is usually eaten from 7.30 pm to 9 pm.
The most typical Italian food of these meals are la pasta, la pasta al forno/le lasagne and la pizza.
In the following table you'll find some other vocabs about food eaten and used during lunch and dinner.
Italian | English |
---|---|
il pane | the bread |
il riso | the rice |
il sugo | the tomato sauce |
l'arrosto | the roasted meat |
la zuppa | the soup |
il formaggio | the cheese |
le uova | the eggs |
l'aceto | the vinegar |
l'olio d'oliva | the olive oil |
il prezzemolo | the parsley |
il rosmarino | the rosemary |
il basilico | the basil |
il maionese | the mayonnaise |
il sale | the salt |
il pepe | the black pepper |
Snack, very common among kids (but not only among them) when they come back from school, is usually eaten around 4 or 5 pm.
In the following table you'll find some other vocabs about food eaten and used during snack.
Italian | English |
---|---|
le patatine | chips |
i popcorn | popcorns |
i biscotti | biscuits |
la torta | cake |
il succo | fruit juice |
le bibite | soft drinks |
il budino | pudding |
la pizza e la focaccia | pizza and focaccia |
il panino | sandwich |
In the following table you'll find some vocabs about the main drinks (le bevande).
Italian | English |
---|---|
l'acqua naturale | the still water |
l'acqua frizzante | the sparkling water |
l'aranciata | the orange juice |
la limonata | the lemon juice |
il vino | the wine |
la birra | the beer |
il liquore | the liqueur |
Italy is one of the leading wine-producing countries in the world.
Some of the most famous and appreciated wines are:
White, sparkling sweet wine is called spumante, commonly drank on special occasions such as celebrations and informal events.
After big meals, sometimes Italian people drink some liqueurs called digestivi.
The most known are:
Take a look at the following dialogue about food.
Italian | English | |
---|---|---|
Anna | Per colazione, prima di andare al lavoro, bevo sempre il té con latte e biscotti | For breakfast, before going to work, I always drink tea with milk and biscuits |
Sara | Io non mangio tanto a colazione, preferisco mangiare una mela o bere un succo verso le 10 | I don't eat a lot at breakfast, I prefer eating an apple or drink some juice around 10 am |
Anna | E a pranzo? Preferisci la pasta o il riso? | And at lunch? Do you prefer pasta or rice? |
Sara | Mangio spesso la pasta con il sugo, anche se durante la settimana di solito mangio un panino con prosciutto o salame. Per cena mia madre cucina spesso una zuppa. | I often eat pasta with tomato sauce, even if during the week I usually eat a sandwich with ham or salami. For dinner my mum often cooks a soup. |
Anna | Anche la mia! Però il sabato sera ordiniamo le pizze con i miei amici. La mia preferita è quella con carciofi, olive, prosciutto crudo e funghi. | Mine too! However, on Saturday nights we order some pizzas with my friends. My favourite is the one with artichokes, olives, raw ham, and mushrooms. |
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is an excellent teacher. has a lot of patience and you shouldn't be afraid of making mistakes. she is always there to help you. Thanks Daniela
Daniela V.Dear Linda, thank you for your positive feedback. I am very happy that you feel comfortable and this is very important to me. Thanks to you for the great trust :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ana is a genuinely nice person and her kindness and gentleness comes through in the lessons. I thoroughly enjoy Ana’s teaching , it’s informative and tailored exactly to what I want to achieve. I wholeheartedly recommend Ana as your Spanish tutor.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Since I learn languages myself, I know the difficulties and hurdles that can arise when learning a foreign language. I take away your fear of using the German language, because the best way to learn a language is to speak it!
You want to take a telc or Goethe exam? I will help you! I teach from level B1 to C2. In the course of my teaching I have specialised in students and adult learners from the age of 19 who want to take one of these exams for professional or private reasons.
If you only want to prepare orally for an exam with me, I offer conversation lessons where I give you strategies and tips on how to pass the exam. You will do a lot of speaking and learn the phrases that are most important for the exam at your level.
I'll also show you how to integrate German into your everyday life, recommend podcasts, books and series to expand your vocabulary.
Are you looking for a job and need help with your application? No problem, I give you application training, revise your CV with you and write applications together with you. I will also prepare you for your job interviews.
Don't be shy and write to me before you book a trial lesson. Together we will work out a syllabus that is tailored to your needs and goals. We will learn what is important for you at this stage and where I see room for improvement. I adapt each lesson individually to you.
Due to my eight-year stay abroad in Ireland, I have a very good knowledge of English and can also explain something to you in English or Spanish, but in my lessons we almost only speak German together.
What can you expect in my lessons?
- Creative and professional preparation for telc or Goethe from B1 level upwards
- Conversation classes
- Language lessons individually adapted to your needs, each lesson is prepared for you individually
- Application training and help with application letters, revision of your CV
- Grammar explanations that YOU just need.
- Quizzes, puzzles, worksheets, books, conversation topics and much more. Learning should be fun!
The most important thing is that you invest a little time and feel like learning with me. In return, you should also do the homework so that we can make good progress. I will be happy to correct it. Let me inspire you!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Amazing teacher with excellent pedagogical skills! She has helped me very well to improve my german. Absolutely recommended!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, my name is Francesca.
I am qualified Italian teacher.
I love teaching and my lessons are always tailored on your goals. During the first lesson, we will identify what you want to learn or to improve and I will design your lessons.
My approach is largely conversational: that is role-plays, informal conversation or other activites to help you. I welcome beginners right up to proficient speakers.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Like the times before, it was perfect and a lot of fun. I am interested in the subject and I like to tell a lot and show Italian videos that are new to Francesca :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi!
My name is Mariateresa, I'm Italian and I teach English, Italian and Spanish to foreign students.
Having lived in Spain during my last year at University, I moved to the UK, where I lived for the next five years. My English at that time was quite poor and I made a living by doing various jobs.
One day, inspired by my amazing English teacher Mandy, I had an idea: why not teach my native language and Spanish to English people and other nationalities? You wouldn’t believe how fascinated people are by these languages!
It was in 2017 when I fell in love with this job. So much so that one year later I successfully attained a TESOL Certificate, to teach English as a foreign language.
Teaching allows me to fully express myself and my personal qualities, such as patience and an ability to give my full attention to other people. By giving students a space in which to express themselves without fear, I create a safe, non-judgemental environment.
When a new student contacts me I always offer them a free trial lesson, so that we can introduce ourselves and I can get to know their level, interests and needs. It's from there that I create the ensuing lessons.
I provide students with a solid grammar base, but also help them to understand the application and use of the language in everyday life. At the same time, I tailor the lesson to suit the students' main interests – such as grammar, speaking, pronunciation, writing or exam preparation. I teach students of different levels, from beginners to advanced.
Although I love teaching in-person, I have adapted myself to teaching online as well. I have also completed a Teaching English Online course offered by Cambridge University. I have to admit that it's a really effective method, plus you meet people from all over the world!
Having lived abroad for several years I know that learning a foreign language requires time, but it's also fun. By speaking in it we can express hidden parts of ourselves – it's a bit like acting!
You can also assimilate the culture from which the language evolves. It's interesting to see how we can change and develop!
My aim is to transmit to students the idea that nothing is impossible. Learning a language is challenging, but entirely achievable if you keep in mind that it's a journey made of small steps.
What is important is to establish those small objectives every day, and reach them with calm determination.
Like a tracker counts the steps that you walk, put on your “count-words tracker” and you'll be surprised at how much you have learned by the end of the day!
For more information visit:
https://campsite.bio/mariateresa.medici
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria, was very helpful. I was a bit of a challenging case and so she had to modify her teaching program on the fly and did so with competence.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! My name is Federica, and I am a certified teacher of Italian as a foreign language.
I have 3 + years of experience as a teacher, and I have also been a translator/proofreader for almost three decades. I can speak English, a bit of German, French and Spanish, as well as very, very basic Swedish. In short, I know just how it feels to be a learner of a foreign language, too!
One thing I know is that learning a language is more effective - and much more fun - when teaching is personalized. That's why I don't follow any single textbook: I like to try and choose the texts and exercises which are best suited to my students' interests. I also prefer to use "real" material such as magazine articles, songs, videos, etc., so you'll get an authentic feel for the language.
But enough about me. Let's talk about you! What is your current level and what are your short- and long-term goals in learning Italian? Book a free trial lesson (half an hour) with me. We'll talk about your goals and discuss how best to achieve them.
Hope to meet you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She speaks so softly and understandable. Always cooperating with the student. I'd recommend her especially for grammar studies.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ciao! My name is Mauro, I am native Italian from Calabria! I am a very passionate teacher, I love to share my language and my knowledge about Italy, and its culture, films, music, literature, arts, food!!! I firmly believe that learning is based on trust between teacher and student, and the first objective of my classes is to individuate student's objectives and preferences. My teaching methodology is integrated: I think that it is important to work on all of linguistic abilities: oral and writing comprehension and production. I also think that lessons must be as much as fun as possible, and I use a lot of authentic material: songs, films, cooking recipes, newspapers, advertising and so on...
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
So far, I have studied with Mauro four times a week for a month. As a retired university professor, I find Mauro to be a thoughtful and deliberate teacher of Italian as a second language. He exercises care in preparing lessons and yet remains flexible to take opportunity of teachable moments. I highly recommend Mauro to anyone who is serious about learning Italian. Bravo Mauro! I look forward to continuing my studies with you.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Very Nice communication, easy to study and practice Italiano, I am a Beginner and She has the patience to understand me.
Daniela V.Hola Pedro, thanks for your words. I'm glad you enjoyed our first class. Get ready, we are going to learn more and more! :-D
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello my name is Lucia and I am a native Italian speaker.
I have a degree as an interpreter for English and French so I know how hard it may be to learn a foreign language. I work as a free-lance interpreter and private English and French teacher. I have a strong passion for languages which I have been studying for many years. I am studying Spanish now and always trying to improve my English and French knowledge. I am a friendly person and my lessons mainly focus on conversation. As a teacher I am very patient and I always propose tailor-made lessons with respect to your needs. I am really enthusiastic about being a teacher because this activity allows you to share your culture and habits with foreign people. Learning a language is also learning a new culture.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lucia, in a friendly and motivating manner, manages to get us, as beginners to Italian, to "speak". New vocabulary and grammar basics are regularly incorporated. Each lesson is different, fun and effective as Lucia is not only a very experienced teacher but also embodies the love for Italy and her language. We are happy to have “found” them, Rita and Connie
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elena is a well skilled teacher with patience and a great personality. She understands our needs well and the lessons are tailored to give us a good learning experience. The lessons are always a good combination of speaking, reading and grammar. Elena is very punctual and flexible when we need to change our schedule. We can highly recommend choosing Elena as your teacher.
Elena P.Thank you for the feedback, Wouter and Eliane! I'm happy to know that you are satisfied with the lessons. I really enjoy working with you and I love to witness your progress, class after class.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello German learner! I am a dedicated teacher for DaF (German as a foreign language) studying and working in Germany. I have already gained teaching experience with different age groups and nationalities while teaching German in various language schools.
Currently, I'm doing my second studies in German, English, and Teaching at the University of Bonn. (I already got my Master's Degree in German and Literature). Besides, I teach in a local language school as well as tutor students online on Colanguage.
In my free time, I learn French and Dutch and hope to become a true polyglot one day :)
So as you can see, I'm all into languages and love my profession as a teacher!
I can help you learn general German, develop your communicational skills as well as prepare you for language tests (Goethe Zertifikat, Telc, etc).
Just book a trial lesson with me and we'll find out which course is right for you.
See you soon
Anush
PS. IMPORTANT! Currently, I only work with adults aged 18 and over - so NO courses for children, sorry.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hranush is a teacher with a lot of experience in teaching German. She has many materials and is well-structured!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Rina is a pleasure to work with. Her lessons go by quickly, because they are a lot of fun. She is always on time, sends the material beforehand, is always available for questions and corrects homework right away. She is funny & energetic. She speaks German and Italian. I can only recommend taking lessons with her, because it is fun and you learn quickly and good.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am Russian native speaker and I've been teaching Russian over the last four years. I teach students of all levels, from zero to advanced level, teenagers and adults. Great focus will be on grammar, listening and conversation. After few lessons you will already notice the improvements.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lera is a fantastic teacher, incredibly patient and I really look forward to the next lesson. Russian is not an easy language for me but with lera’s kindness and patience I enjoy the small steps I am making in my journey to learn Russian language.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials