carie
/ˈka.rje/feminine
The English word "cavity" is translated into Italian as carie.
The term refers to a hole and soft area in tooth caused by caries.
Meaning: hole and soft area in tooth caused by caries (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈka.rje/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word cavità to mean a dental cavity, but carie is the correct term for the decay/hole itself.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of carie, which means 'decay' or 'corruption', is also the ancestor of the English word 'carrion', which refers to decaying flesh.
- While carie refers to the decay, Italians use the phrase buco nel dente to describe the physical 'hole' in the tooth during casual conversation.
- To describe a filling that plugs a carie, Italians use the word otturazione, which literally means 'plugging' or 'stopping'.
Examples in context
- Il dentista mi ha detto che ho una carie.The dentist told me I have a cavity.
- Ho una carie profonda.I have a deep cavity.
- Il dentista ha trovato una carie.The dentist found a cavity.
- Devo curare questa carie.I need to treat this cavity.
Example conversation
Matteo is at the dentist's office with Giulia.
- MatteoGiulia, mi fa male un dente.Giulia, my tooth hurts.
- GiuliaPensi di avere una carie?Do you think you have a cavity?
- MatteoSì, credo proprio di sì.Yes, I really think so.
- GiuliaAllora entra subito nello studio.Then go into the office right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cavity” translations and entries carie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
