What Does "Dolce" Mean in italian?

Key Takeaways

Dolce primarily means "sweet", but it also encompasses aesthetics and emotions beyond just taste.

<liAs an adjective, dolce changes form based on number but not gender, e.g., un mandarino dolce.

<liAs a noun, dolce refers to "dessert" or "sweetness", commonly used in Italian cuisine.

<liDolce can describe pleasant experiences, like a sweet smile or kind gestures towards loved ones.

<liThe term appears in idioms like la dolce vita (the sweet life) and casa dolce casa (home sweet home).

Stefano's Insights

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Ah, la parola "dolce"! Non è solo un aggettivo per descrivere un cioccolato o una torta. Può dipingere un clima mite, un sorriso tenero, o addirittura un'alternativa alla medicina tradizionale. È un termine versatile che si adatta a molteplici contesti. Ricordo quando ho detto a mia nonna che il suo tiramisù era "troppo dolce"; mi ha guardato come se avessi insultato la sua anima! E poi c'è "il dolce far niente", un concetto che invita a godersi la vita senza stress. Insomma, dolce è una parola che arricchisce il vocabolario e la vita. Usatela con cura e vedrete come può addolcire le vostre conversazioni!

Ah, the word "dolce"! It's not just an adjective for chocolate or cake. It can describe a mild climate, a tender smile, or even an alternative to traditional medicine. It's a versatile term that fits many contexts. I remember telling my grandmother her tiramisù was "too sweet"; she looked at me as if I had insulted her soul! And then there's "il dolce far niente," a concept inviting us to enjoy life without stress. In short, "dolce" is a word that enriches vocabulary and life. Use it wisely, and you'll see how it can sweeten your conversations!

Quick facts

How does dolce describe taste in Italian?

Dolce means sweet, pleasant to taste, and not bitter, sour, or salty.

Can dolce describe something without salt?

Yes, dolce can refer to something without salt, like river water.

Does dolce only describe food?

No, dolce also describes pleasant visuals, such as "a dolce show."

How is dolce used as a noun?

As a noun, dolce refers to a dessert or something sweet to taste.

Does the adjective dolce change form?

Dolce changes only for plural forms, not for gender, e.g., dolci for plural.

Can dolce describe a person's characteristics?

Yes, dolce can describe temperament, appearance, personality, or actions, like "un sorriso dolce."

What does dolce mean when referring to climate?

Dolce means mild or temperate when describing climate.

How is dolce used in reference to metals?

Dolce describes metals as malleable, indicating they can be easily shaped.

What is the phrase for "sweet water" in Italian?

The phrase is "acqua dolce," referring to soft water.

What does "medicina dolce" refer to?

"Medicina dolce" refers to alternative medicine practices.

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Main Article

“Dolce” in Italian

“Dolce”: Meaning

I am sure you know the very famous Italian expression la dolce vita. It is a straightforward example of how the Italian word dolce can embody an array of sensory and emotional experiences.

Its primary translation is “sweet”, but it extends beyond just flavor. It can include elements of aesthetics, emotions, and even physical properties.

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This versatility makes the word dolce an important term in both everyday conversation and more nuanced discussions. Here, I will show you its different meanings and contextual uses.

“Dolce”: Grammar

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Grammatically speaking, dolce can be used as an adjective or as a noun.

Dolce as an adjective changes its form based on number but not on to gender:
- un mandarino dolce (masculine, singular) – a sweet tangerine
- una fragola dolce (feminine, singular) – a sweet strawberry
- dei mandarini dolci (masculine, plural) – sweet tangerines
- delle fragole dolci (feminine, plural) – sweet strawberries
Dolce as a noun is a masculine noun meaning “dessert” or “sweetness” as a flavor. The term “dessert” is also used, but dolce is more common.

Vuoi ordinare un dolce?

Do you want to order a dessert?

Il dolce far niente.

The sweetness of doing nothing.

How to Use “Dolce” in Italian

Taste and Flavors

In its most straightforward sense, dolce refers to foods that are sweet to taste, such as fruits, desserts, or beverages. for example:

Questa fragola era molto dolce.

This strawberry was very sweet.

Aesthetic and Emotional Appeal

Beyond taste, dolce can describe pleasant and agreeable things. For example:

Quel ragazzo ha un sorriso dolce.

That guy has a sweet smile.

Mi piace fare gesti dolci per le persone che amo.

I like doing sweet gestures for the people I love.

Idiomatic and Figurative Uses

Dolce appears in several well-known Italian idioms, such as:

casa dolce casa – home sweet home
la dolce vita – the sweet life
la mia dolce metà – my other half
essere in dolce attesa – to be pregnant
essere al dolce – to have just finished a meal

Key Terms and Concepts

Dolce (Adjective)

Describes something sweet in flavor, aesthetically pleasing, or emotionally agreeable. For example, mandarino dolce means 'sweet tangerine.'

Dolce (Noun)

Refers to a dessert or sweetness as a flavor. Commonly used in dining to denote the dessert course.

La dolce vita

An Italian phrase meaning 'the sweet life,' often used to describe a life of pleasure and luxury.

Casa dolce casa

An idiomatic expression meaning 'home sweet home,' signifying comfort and affection for one's home.

La mia dolce metà

A term of endearment meaning 'my other half,' used to refer to a person's romantic partner.

Essere in dolce attesa

An idiomatic expression meaning 'to be pregnant,' literally translating to 'being in sweet expectation.'

Test your knowledge in 10 quick questions

Words

zuccherosugar

caramellacandy

gelatoice cream

tortacake

cioccolatochocolate

mielehoney

fruttafruit

biscottocookie

pasticceriapastry

sciropposyrup

Phrases

zuccherosugar

dolcettosweet treat

biscottocookie

cioccolatochocolate

gelatoice cream

tortacake

caramellacandy

mielehoney

fruttafruit

pasticceriabakery

Sentences

Mi piace il dolce sapore della torta.

I like the sweet taste of the cake.

Dopo cena, di solito mangiamo il dolce.

After dinner, we usually have dessert.

Lei ha un sorriso dolce che conquista tutti.

She has a sweet smile that wins everyone over.

Stiamo vivendo la dolce vita in Italia.

We are living the sweet life in Italy.

La mattina era dolce e serena, perfetta per una passeggiata.

The morning was mild and serene, perfect for a walk.

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Answers

Italian word of the day

fiume

Dov’è il fiume più lungo del mondo? È in Sud America.

Where is the longest river in the world? It’s in South America.

What does “Dolce” Mean in italian?

Key Takeaways

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