punto
/ˈpun.to/
The Italian word for 'period' is punto.
While punto can mean a dot or a point, in the context of punctuation, it specifically refers to the period at the end of a sentence. To specify the period at the very end of a sentence, Italians often use the phrase punto finale.
Meaning: interval of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
In punctuation, punto is the base for other marks: punto esclamativo is an exclamation mark and punto interrogativo is a question mark.
How do you pronounce it?
The word punto is pronounced /ˈpun.to/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- In Italian sewing, the word punto refers to a 'stitch', meaning the same word for a punctuation mark is used to describe the physical loops of thread in embroidery.
- When describing a precise moment in time, Italians use punto, such as saying alle tre in punto to mean 'at three o'clock sharp'.
- The word punto shares its roots with the English word 'punctual', both originating from the Latin concept of a 'punctum' or a specific point in time.
Examples in context
- Manca il punto finale.The period is missing.This sentence is useful for noting that a punto is missing.Tatoeba #10788955 by Guybrush88, translation #3771043 by Eldad
- Il punto indica la fine di questa frase noiosa.The period indicates the end of this boring sentence.This sentence illustrates how a punto marks the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #3344541 by Guybrush88, translation #3344538 by fekundulo
- Ho dimenticato di mettere il punto finale.I forgot the period at the end of the sentence.This sentence shows how to mention forgetting a punto at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #2467922 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12524081 by rul
- Il periodo di prova è di tre mesi.The probation period is three months.
- Dobbiamo analizzare il periodo storico in cui è vissuto Leonardo da Vinci.We need to analyze the historical period in which Leonardo da Vinci lived.
- L'epoca rinascimentale ha lasciato un'impronta indelebile sulla storia dell'arte.The Renaissance period has left an indelible mark on art history.
- L'epoca vittoriana è caratterizzata da un forte senso di moralità.The Victorian era is characterized by a strong sense of morality.
- Ho detto di no e basta, punto!I said no, period!
- Non ci penso nemmeno, punto e basta!I won't even think about it, period!
- Non voglio sentirne parlare, basta!I don't want to hear about it, that's it!
- La stagione delle vacanze è appena iniziata!The holiday period has just begun!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about a stressful time at work.
- MatteoÈ stato un punto molto difficile per me.It was a very difficult period for me.
- ChiaraTi capisco, Matteo. Ora va meglio?I understand, Matteo. Is it better now?
- MatteoSì, quel punto è finalmente passato.Yes, that period has finally passed.
- ChiaraSono felice che sia finita, Chiara.I am glad it's over, Chiara.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry punto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries punto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
