intingere
/inˈtin.d͡ʒe.re/
The English phrase dipping translates to the Italian intingere.
The term refers to the act or process of immersing something in a liquid. While intingere is the verb meaning to dip, you may also encounter the form intinto when describing something that has already undergone the process.
Meaning: an act or processing of immersing (noun)
Which one should you use?
The infinitive intingere is used to express the action of dipping, whereas the past participle intinto functions as an adjective to describe an object that has been dipped.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form intingere is an infinitive verb. The form intinto is a past participle that can be used as an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /inˈtin.dʒe.re/.
Did you know?
- The act of using bread to dip into sauce is called fare la scarpetta, which literally means 'making the little shoe'.
- While intingere is a general term for dipping, the word inzuppare is used specifically for food and is the root of zuppa, the Italian word for 'soup'.
- The Italian word intingere shares the same Latin root as the English word 'tinge', meaning to color slightly. This is why both words involve a light touch or a temporary change in state.
Examples in context
- È possibile immergere i crostini nella zuppa?Is it possible to dip the croutons into the soup?
- Bagna le patatine nel ketchup!Dip the fries in ketchup!
- Posso intingere il pane nella salsa?Can I dip the bread in the sauce?
- Viene servito con una salsa per intingere?Is it served with a dipping sauce?
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are eating appetizers at a restaurant.
- SofiaTi piace l'intingere le verdure nella salsa?Do you like dipping the vegetables in the sauce?
- AlessandroSì, Sofia, è delizioso così.Yes, Sofia, it is delicious this way.
- SofiaAllora prova l'intingere anche questo formaggio.Then try dipping this cheese too.
- AlessandroHai ragione, Alessandro lo proverà subito.You are right, Alessandro will try it immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry intingere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intingere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
