dedo índice
/ˌdedo ˈindiθe/masculine
The English phrase "index finger" is dedo índice in Spanish.
Meaning: noun (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, dedo apuntador is used for 'index finger'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun phrase is masculine and requires the masculine article el when used with a definite article.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌdedo ˈindiθe/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, pointing at people with the dedo índice is considered rude or aggressive.
- The word dedo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'digit', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to show or point out'.
- The term índice is used both for the finger and for the 'index' of a book, as both serve to guide the reader to a specific point.
Examples in context
- La gente acostumbra señalar con el dedo índice.People usually point with their index finger.This sentence shows how people typically use the dedo índice to point.Tatoeba #4371007 by umano, translation #9930040 by DJ_Saidez
- Me duele el dedo índice.My index finger hurts.
- Señala con el dedo índice.Point with your index finger.
Example conversation
Alejandro is showing Sofía a small detail on a map.
- AlejandroMira este pueblo con mi dedo índice.Look at this town with my index finger.
- SofíaAh, sí, ya lo veo, Alejandro.Oh, yes, I see it now, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs muy pequeño, ¿verdad?It is very small, right?
- SofíaSí, es casi invisible.Yes, it is almost invisible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “index finger” translations and entries dedo índice, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dedo, índice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
