A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Arancini
Italian fried rice balls, often filled with meat sauce, cheese, or peas. Pronounced AH-run-CHEE-nee.
arancini
AH-run-CHEE-nee
/ˌɑː.rənˈtʃiː.ni/ · a · ran · chi · ni
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
They are also a popular street food in Italy and increasingly found in specialty food shops or delis outside of Italy.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from the Italian word 'arancia,' meaning 'orange,' likely due to the shape and color of some versions of the dish.
Common ways people get it wrong
- uh-RAN-see-nee This often happens because English speakers try to apply English spelling rules to the Italian 'ci' sound, which is more like 'chee'.
- AIR-uhn-chee-nee The initial 'a' is typically an open 'ah' sound, not the 'air' sound found in words like 'air'.
Frequently asked
What is arancini made of?
Arancini are typically made from cooked rice (often risotto), which is then breaded and deep-fried. Common fillings include ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, peas, or ham.
Is arancini singular or plural?
Arancini is the plural form in Italian, referring to multiple rice balls. The singular form is 'arancino'.
How do you eat arancini?
Arancini are usually eaten as an appetizer or a snack. They can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, often served with a dipping sauce.
How do Sicilians say arancini?
In Sicilian dialect, arancini is pronounced ah-rahn-CHEE-nee. The 'c' makes a 'ch' sound, and the double 'n' is pronounced distinctly.
What does arancini literally mean?
Arancini literally means 'little oranges' in Italian. This name comes from their round shape and golden-yellow color after frying.
What do Sicilians call arancini?
Sicilians commonly refer to them as arancini, but the pronunciation can vary slightly by region within Sicily, often emphasizing the 'ch' sound.
What is arancini in English?
In English, arancini are known as fried rice balls, often stuffed with various fillings like ragù, cheese, or peas. The name 'arancini' is commonly used directly in English.
