capellini: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/in culinary contexts
Quick answer
What does “capellini” mean?
A type of pasta, the thinnest of the long, round strands, thinner than spaghetti.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of pasta, the thinnest of the long, round strands, thinner than spaghetti.
Used figuratively to describe something thin and delicate, often humorously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. Usage is tied to exposure to Italian food. Might be less common in British English than American due to pasta name conventions.
Connotations
Conveys authenticity, Italian cuisine, delicacy.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, perhaps slightly higher in American English due to Italian-American culinary influence.
Grammar
How to Use “capellini” in a Sentence
Serve [OBJECT] with capelliniThe capellini is [ADJECTIVE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food import/export or restaurant supply.
Academic
Rare, except in culinary or cultural studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing cooking, menus, or Italian food.
Technical
Used in culinary arts to specify pasta type.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capellini”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capellini”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capellini”
- Pronouncing it /ˈkæpəlɪni/ (with a short 'a' and stress on first syllable).
- Using it as a general term for any thin pasta.
- Treating it as a mass noun requiring 'a' (e.g., 'a capellini' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'capellini' and 'angel hair' (or its Italian name 'capelli d'angelo') are the same type of very thin, long pasta.
It cooks very quickly, often in 2-4 minutes, because of its thinness. Always check the package instructions.
Light, delicate sauces like broths, light olive oil or butter-based sauces, or fresh tomato sauces work best, as heavier sauces can overwhelm it.
It is treated as a singular, uncountable (mass) noun in English. You say 'The capellini is ready,' not 'The capellini are ready.'
A type of pasta, the thinnest of the long, round strands, thinner than spaghetti.
Capellini is usually formal/in culinary contexts in register.
Capellini: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkapəˈliːni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːpəˈliːni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None standard. Could be humorous: 'He's as thin as a strand of capellini.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'capelli' (Italian for 'hair') + 'ini' (a diminutive suffix) = 'tiny hairs', which perfectly describes this very fine pasta.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINNESS IS DELICACY / FINENESS IS QUALITY
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of capellini?