A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Rigatoni
Learn how to pronounce rigatoni correctly with this simple guide to the classic Italian pasta shape.
rigatoni
rig-uh-TOH-nee
/ˌrɪɡəˈtoʊni/ · rig · a · to · ni
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It refers specifically to the large, ridged, tube-shaped pasta that holds thick meat sauces well. It is a staple of Roman cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from the Italian 'rigato,' meaning 'ridged' or 'lined,' referring to the texture of the pasta tubes.
Common ways people get it wrong
- rig-uh-TAH-nee English speakers often default to an 'ah' sound, but the Italian 'o' is a long 'oh' sound.
- RYE-guh-to-nee The first syllable should be a short 'rig' sound, not a long 'i'.
Frequently asked
Is the g in rigatoni hard or soft?
The g is hard, pronounced like the g in 'gate' or 'go.' It is never pronounced like a j.
Do you pronounce the final i in rigatoni?
Yes, the final i is pronounced clearly as an 'ee' sound. Ensure you don't swallow the end of the word.
Is rigatoni plural or singular?
In Italian, rigatoni is the plural form of rigatone. However, in English, we use it as a mass noun to describe the dish.
