A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Cacio E Pepe
Pronounce this classic Roman pasta dish. It's simpler than it sounds!
cacio e pepe
KAH-cho-ay-PEH-peh
/ˈkɑː.t͡ʃoʊ.eɪ.ˈpɛ.peɪ/ · kah · cho · ay · peh · peh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also frequently discussed in food blogs and cooking shows when highlighting simple yet flavorful pasta dishes.
Where the word comes from
The name is Italian and literally means 'cheese and pepper,' referring to the dish's two main ingredients.
Common ways people get it wrong
- KAY-see-oh ee PEP-per This is a common mistake because it sounds like English words. Remember the Italian 'c' is like 'ch' and 'e' is like 'ay'.
- KAH-shee-oh ee PEP-pee The Italian 'c' before 'i' or 'e' is a 'ch' sound, but the 'i' is more like a short 'ee' or 'ih' sound, not a drawn-out 'ee'.
Frequently asked
How do you say cacio e pepe?
Say 'KAH-cho-ay-PEH-peh'. The emphasis is on the first syllable of 'cacio' and the first syllable of 'pepe'.
What does cacio e pepe mean?
It's Italian for 'cheese and pepper.' The dish is a simple pasta seasoned with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
Is it hard to pronounce cacio e pepe?
It can seem tricky, but breaking it down helps: KAH-cho (like 'catch-o') ay PEH-peh. The 'ay' sound connects the two parts.
How do Italians say cacio e pepe?
Italians pronounce cacio e pepe as KAH-cho eh PEH-peh. The 'c' in cacio is pronounced like a 'k', and the 'g' in pepe is soft, like 'peh'.
What does cacio e pepe mean in Italian?
Cacio e pepe literally translates to 'cheese and pepper' in Italian. It refers to the main ingredients of this classic Roman pasta dish.
How is cacio e pepe different from alfredo?
Cacio e pepe is a simple Roman dish made with cheese, pepper, and pasta water, while Alfredo is a richer sauce typically made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
How to pronounce cacio?
The Italian word 'cacio' is pronounced KAH-cho. The 'c' sounds like a 'k', and the 'ci' sounds like 'chee'.
