dedo
/ˈdedo/
The Spanish word dedo means finger or toe.
The word dedo is used to refer to a digit on either the hand or the foot. Specific fingers have their own names, such as the dedo pulgar for the thumb, the dedo índice for the index finger, the dedo corazón for the middle finger and the dedo meñique for the pinky finger.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of dedo is dedos, which translates to fingers or toes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdedo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word dedo can also be used metaphorically to describe a tiny amount of something, such as 'un dedo de agua' for a small amount of water.
- Pointing at someone with the dedo is often considered rude or aggressive in many Spanish-speaking cultures, more so than in some English-speaking contexts.
- The English word 'digit' and the Spanish word dedo share the same ancient root, which meant 'to point out' or 'to show'.
Examples in context
- La cirujana examinó el dedo cuidadosamente.The surgeon examined the finger carefully.
- El doctor analizó el dedo de la mano derecha.The doctor analyzed the finger of the right hand.
- Me lastimé el dedito jugando fútbol.I hurt my little finger playing soccer.
- Me duele el dedo meñique.My pinky finger hurts.
- Tengo una mancha en el dedo.I have a stain on my finger.
- Señala con el dedo índice.Point with your index finger.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at home.
- MateoMe golpeé el dedo con la mesa.I hit my finger with the table.
- MaríaAy, Mateo, ¿está muy rojo?Oh, Mateo, is it very red?
- MateoSí, me duele mucho el dedo.Yes, my finger hurts a lot.
- MaríaVoy a buscar hielo para ti.I am going to get some ice for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dedo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dedo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
