mignolo
/ˈmiɲ.ɲo.lo/masculine
The Italian word for "little finger" is mignolo. Wiktionary also lists dito mignolo.
Meaning: outermost and smallest finger of the hand (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mignolo | /ˈmiɲ.ɲo.lo/ | masculine |
| dito mignolo | /ˈdi.to ˈmiɲ.ɲo.lo/ (word by word) | masculine |
The term mignolo refers to the smallest and outermost finger of the hand. It is also used to refer to the little toe, though you may also hear the phrase dito piccolo used specifically for the toe.
Which one should you use?
mignolo and dito mignolo are masculine nouns.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mignolo is mignoli.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈmiɲ.ɲo.lo/.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the mignolo is centrally involved in a common gesture of contempt or dismissal, where it is flicked away from the thumb to signal that something is worthless.
- The root of mignolo is related to the word mignone, an archaic term of endearment meaning 'cute' or 'sweet'.
- In Italy, the gesture of crossing the mignolo with the ring finger is often used to signal a secret or a promise between friends.
Examples in context
- Mi fa male il mignolo.My little finger hurts.This sentence is useful for expressing that your mignolo is hurting.Tatoeba #5132805 by Guybrush88, translation #10931653 by JeanM
- Mi sono fatto male al mignoloI hurt my little finger
- Il mignolo è molto sottile.The little finger is very thin.
- Ho un anello sul mignolo.I have a ring on my little finger.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are looking at a ring in a jewelry shop.
- ChiaraQuesto anello è troppo grande per il mio mignolo.This ring is too big for my little finger.
- MatteoProva quello più piccolo, Chiara.Try the smaller one, Chiara.
- ChiaraSì, questo calza meglio sul mignolo.Yes, this fits the little finger better.
- MatteoÈ bellissimo su di te.It is beautiful on you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little finger” translations and entries mignolo, dito mignolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (dito, mignolo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
