ghiaietta

fine gravel

noun gyah-YET-tah Rare

Origin: Diminutive of ghiaia (gravel), of Germanic origin.

Also means

grit; pea gravel

Usage Note

Ghiaietta is the diminutive of ghiaia and refers to small, fine gravel used in garden paths, driveways, or fish tanks. The initial ghi- is pronounced with a hard 'g' followed by a faint 'y' glide: gyah. It is feminine, like its base noun ghiaia.

Examples

"Il vialetto è ricoperto di ghiaietta bianca."

Natural Translation

The path is covered with white fine gravel.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

You're Welcome in Italian: 8 Ways Beyond Prego

You're welcome in Italian is more than prego: say figurati to friends, si figuri to strangers, di niente, non c'è di che, or grazie a te. Pick the right one.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Avere Fame: Why Italians "Have" Hunger, Not "Are"

In Italian you say Ho fame (I have hunger), never sono fame. Learn the avere + noun rule for fame, freddo, paura, age, and the sono caldo trap to avoid.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Hand Gestures: Meanings & When to Use

Italian hand gestures decoded: what the pinched fingers, cheek screw, and chin flick mean, which ones are safe to use, and the one gesture to never make.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Articles: Il, Lo, La, I, Gli, Le Explained

Italian has seven words for 'the' — il, lo, la, i, gli, le — but it's two questions, not seven cases. Master gender, sound, and the lo/gli rule fast.

June 5, 2026 7 min read