dipingermi le unghie
To paint my nails in Italian is dipingermi le unghie.
This phrase is used to describe the act of applying colored polish to the fingernails or toenails. You may also commonly use the phrase mettersi lo smalto, which literally means to put on nail polish.
How does it change in a sentence?
When talking about body parts in Italian, you use the definite article instead of a possessive adjective. For example, instead of saying 'my nails' with a possessive, you say le unghie (the nails). If you conjugate the phrase for different subjects, the reflexive pronoun changes: mi dipingo le unghie (I paint my nails), ti dipingi le unghie (you paint your nails) and si dipinge le unghie (he/she paints his/her nails).
Did you know?
- The word smalto refers not only to nail polish but also to the hard enamel found on teeth and the glassy coating used in pottery.
- The verb dipingere used in dipingermi le unghie is the same word used for painting a masterpiece on a canvas.
- In Italy, a professional manicure is often called cura delle mani, which emphasizes the 'care' or health of the hands over the cosmetic application of polish.
Examples in context
- Potrebbe dipingermi le unghie con uno smalto rosso, per favore?Could you paint my nails with red nail polish, please?
- Quanto costa una smaltata?How much does a polish/gel manicure cost?
Example conversation
Martina is getting ready for an event.
- MartinaFrancesco, posso dipingermi le unghie qui?Francesco, can I paint my nails here?
- FrancescoSì, ma fai attenzione al tavolo.Yes, but be careful with the table.
- MartinaNon preoccuparti, userò un tovagliolo.Don't worry, I'll use a napkin.
- FrancescoVa bene, allora procedi pure.Alright, go ahead then.
