FastItalian LearningSign in
A2🍕 Food

Italian word

ricotta

a fresh soft Italian whey cheese

Looks like

recooked / ricotta

literally means 're-cooked' (from the whey leftover from other cheeses)

⚠️ The trap

The word itself is not a false friend, but English speakers sometimes assume ricotta is just 'Italian cottage cheese'. It is similar but distinct — made from whey, not curd. Also, 'ricotta' literally means 're-cooked' which confuses learners who think it refers to a cooking method.

To say "literally means 're-cooked' (from the whey leftover from other cheeses)" in Italian:

ricotta (fresh whey cheese)

"ricotta" in English means:

a fresh soft Italian whey cheese

Example

"I cannoli siciliani sono ripieni di ricotta."

"Sicilian cannoli are filled with ricotta."

Test your Italian level

Find your level and start the right lessons for you.

Take the test →