How Do You Say Chicken in Italian? A Comprehensive Guide

Chicken is one of the most commonly used ingredients in Italian cuisine From pollo alla cacciatora to pollo al forno, chicken dishes are ubiquitous on menus across Italy But what is the Italian word for chicken? And are there any regional variations or slang terms you should know? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various ways to say chicken in Italian.

The Most Common Way to Say Chicken in Italian

The most universally understood Italian word for chicken is “pollo” (pronounced POH-lo) This is the generic term that can refer to the animal itself, or the meat used for cooking. Here are some examples of “pollo” in sentences

• I’d like to order the grilled chicken, please. ).

• La mia ricetta preferita è il pollo al limone. (My favorite recipe is lemon chicken.)

• Abbiamo allevato i polli nel nostro cortile quando ero piccolo. (We raised chickens in our backyard when I was little.)

It’s safest to use “pollo” to talk about chicken meat or the animal itself, whether you’re at a fancy Italian restaurant or just hanging out with friends.

Alternative Words for Chicken in Italian

While “pollo” is the most common Italian word, there are some alternatives you may come across:

• “Gallina” – This refers specifically to a female chicken (hen). “Gallo” is the word for a male chicken (rooster).

• “Pollastro” or “polletto” – These terms mean a young chicken, like a chick or young rooster.

• “Petto di pollo” – Chicken breast.

• “Cosce di pollo” – Chicken thighs or drumsticks.

• Pollo = generic term for chicken

• Gallina = A hen

• Gallo = A rooster

• Pollastro/Polletto = A young chicken

• Petto di pollo = Breast

• Cosce di pollo = Thighs/drumsticks

Knowing the terms for chicken cuts or gender can be handy for understanding recipes or ordering food. But “pollo” will work just fine in most situations.

Fun Idioms and Expressions with “Pollo”

Like many Italian words, “pollo” is used in some fun idiomatic expressions:

• Essere un pollo: To be a fool or an easy target

• Pelare qualcuno come un pollo: To fleece or rip someone off

• To “know one’s chickens” means to have a good understanding of a situation or person.

• Pollo da spennare: A chicken to be plucked, meaning an easy target

So, calling someone “pollo” in a funny way means you think they are stupid or easily fooled. This phrase is also used by Italians, just like “know your stuff” is used by English speakers. “Getting to know idioms is a great way to sound more natural.”

Regional Variations for Chicken in Italian

As with any language, there are some regional Italian dialects that have their own words for common things like chicken. Here are a few to listen for:

• “Gadduzzu” – Sicilian dialect

• “Pollu” – Sardinian word

• “Gallinaccio” – Romanesco (Roman dialect) term, often used humorously

Of course, these regional words are very colloquial and not universally understood. Locals would likely still understand “pollo” or switch to standard Italian. But it’s fun to learn regional lingo!

Tips for Ordering Chicken Dishes in Italy

If you want to order chicken off an Italian menu, here are some tips:

• Use the specific dish name if possible – pollo alla cacciatora, pollo al forno, etc.

• Clarify the chicken cut – petto (breast), cosce (thighs), etc.

• Ask the waiter for recommendations on their best chicken plates

• Sample some classic Italian chicken entrees like pollo alla diavola (spicy roasted chicken), pollo alla milanese (breaded, fried cutlets), or pollo ripieno (stuffed chicken).

With this Italian chicken glossary in your pocket, you’ll be ready to understand recipes, order food, and talk about poultry like a native speaker. Just remember “pollo” for chicken, “gallina” for hens, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some fun idioms. Buon appetito!