A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Tagliatelle
Learn how to pronounce the Italian pasta tagliatelle correctly with this simple guide to the silent g and the rhythmic syllable stress.
tagliatelle
tal-yuh-TEL-ee
/ˌtɑːljəˈtɛli/ · tal · ya · tel · le
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It refers specifically to long, flat ribbons of egg pasta, similar to fettuccine but often slightly wider. Use it when ordering a dish or discussing authentic pasta shapes.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from the Italian verb tagliare, meaning to cut, referring to the way the dough is sliced into ribbons. It is a diminutive form reflecting the specific shape of the pasta.
Common ways people get it wrong
- tag-lee-uh-tell English speakers often try to pronounce the g as a hard sound, but in Italian, the gl combination creates a liquid y sound.
- tal-ya-tell People often drop the final vowel, but the word has four distinct syllables and ends with a clear ee sound.
Frequently asked
Is the g silent in tagliatelle?
The g is not silent, but it is part of a digraph. The gl combination creates a y sound, similar to the middle of the word million.
Is tagliatelle the same as fettuccine?
They are very similar, but tagliatelle is traditionally made with egg and is slightly wider than fettuccine. In many regions, the terms are used interchangeably, though purists will distinguish them by width.
Should I pronounce the final e?
Yes, the final e is pronounced as a distinct ee sound. Ensure you hit all four syllables to sound natural.
How do Italians pronounce tagliatelle?
Italians pronounce tagliatelle with a soft 'g' sound, similar to the 'y' in 'yes'. The emphasis is on the second syllable, 'TA-lya-TELL-eh'.
Is it "tagliatelle" or "tagliatelli"?
The correct spelling is tagliatelle. The '-elle' ending is feminine plural in Italian.
