sapone

soap

noun sah-POH-neh Rare

Origin: From Latin sapo, which may have entered Latin from a Germanic or Gallic source.

Usage Note

Sapone is the general word for soap in all its forms. Distinguish sapone per le mani (hand soap), sapone da bucato (laundry soap), and sapone liquido (liquid soap). The diminutive saponetta specifically means a bar of soap (the small wrapped tablet). Do not confuse with shampoo, which Italians use as a direct loan.

Examples

"Lavati le mani con il sapone."

Natural Translation

Wash your hands with soap.

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