Italian · Food & Drink
"Pork" in Italian: maiale
il maiale
Pork in Italian is il maiale (eel mah-YAH-leh), masculine—the same word as pig. Menus say maiale or specify prosciutto, salsiccia, arista.
Menu choice
Prendo gli spaghetti al ragù di maiale.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce maiale
Say it
eel mah-YAH-leh
/maˈja.le/
Maiale stresses YAH: mah-YAH-leh.
"Pork" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il maiale | pork / pig Meat or animal. | Meat or animal. |
| carne di maiale | pork meat Clear food wording. | Clear food wording. |
| braciola di maiale | pork chop Butcher/menu. | Butcher/menu. |
| prosciutto | ham Cured pork product. | Cured pork product. |
How to use maiale in real life
- 1Menu choice
Prendo gli spaghetti al ragù di maiale.
I'll take spaghetti with pork ragù.
Di maiale.
- 2Butcher
Vorrei della lonza di maiale.
I'd like some pork loin.
Di maiale.
- 3Cooking
Il maiale va cotto bene.
Pork should be cooked thoroughly.
Il maiale.
Mistakes English speakers make with maiale
Incorrect: La maiale è in offerta.
Correct: Il maiale è in offerta.
Maiale is masculine.
Incorrect: Vorrei del pork.
Correct: Vorrei del maiale.
Use maiale.
Good to know
Cured maiale products—prosciutto, salame, pancetta—are cultural stars. Fresh maiale appears in ragù, arista, and Sunday roasts.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a main course
ChatPal
Vuoi pollo o maiale al forno?
Do you want chicken or roast pork?
You
Maiale, se non è troppo grasso.
Pork, if it's not too fatty.
ChatPal
Chiedo una braciola di maiale magra.
I'll ask for a lean pork chop.
You
Perfetto, con contorno di patate.
Perfect, with a side of potatoes.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Pork" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Pork" in Italian
Does maiale mean pig or pork?
Both—context tells you which.
How do I order pork?
Vorrei del maiale / una braciola di maiale.
Is it masculine?
Yes: il maiale.
Religious or dietary note?
Ask senza maiale if someone avoids pork.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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