A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm vegetarian" in Italian
Learn to say 'I'm vegetarian' in Italian for restaurants and social situations.
Sono vegetariano/a.
SOH-noh veh-jeh-tah-ree-AH-noh/ahneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when ordering food at a restaurant or explaining your dietary choices to friends or hosts. It's important to specify if you are male or female.
Alternatives
- Non mangio carne.More direct, meaning 'I don't eat meat'.
- Sono vegetariano.Use this if you are male.
- Sono vegetariana.Use this if you are female.
Ways to get it wrong
Vegetariano vs. Vegano
Vegetariano means you avoid meat and fish; vegano means you also avoid dairy, eggs, and honey.
Pronouncing 'gn'
The 'gn' in vegetariano sounds like the 'ny' in 'canyon', not like 'n'.
A small cultural note
While vegetarianism is understood, many Italians still associate it with 'not eating meat'. Be prepared to clarify if you also avoid fish.
Frequently asked
how to say i am vegetarian in italian for a woman
If you are female, you say 'Sono vegetariana.' The ending changes to match your gender.
what is the difference between vegetariano and vegano
Vegetariano means you don't eat meat or fish. Vegano means you avoid all animal products, including dairy and eggs.
can i just say non mangio carne
Yes, 'Non mangio carne' (I don't eat meat) is a clear and common way to express your dietary restriction.
