pois
/puˈa/
The English phrase "polka dots" is translated into Italian as pois.
The term pois refers to a pattern consisting of an array of small filled circles. You can use the phrase motivo a pois to specifically mean "pattern with polka dots".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word pois is an invariable noun, so it does not change its form when referring to multiple dots. To describe an object that is characterized by a polka dot pattern, use the prepositional phrase a pois.
How do you pronounce it?
/puˈa/
Did you know?
- The Italian word pois is actually a loanword from the French word for 'peas', suggesting that polka dots were once visually compared to small green peas.
- In Italy, the phrase a pois is often used to describe a 'vintage' or 'retro' aesthetic, specifically evoking the fashion of the 1950s.
- Unlike English, which describes the dots as a 'polka', Italian describes them as 'peas', shifting the mental image from a ballroom to a dinner plate.
Examples in context
- La sua gonna è gialla a pois.Her skirt is yellow with polka dots.This sentence shows how to use pois to describe a yellow skirt.Tatoeba #987582 by anais, translation #309007 by CM
- La sposa indossava un abito di seta a pois.The bride was wearing a silk dress with polka dots.This sentence demonstrates using pois to describe a silk dress worn by a bride.Tatoeba #10269447 by carlosalberto, translation #10269424 by carlosalberto
- Ho trovato un vestito elegante con un motivo a poisI found an elegant dress with a polka dot pattern
- Adoro i pois!I love polka dots!
- I vestiti a pallini sono così alla modaPolka dot clothes are so fashionable
- Mi piace molto la tua camicia a pois.I really like your polka dot shirt.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are shopping for clothes.
- LorenzoGuarda questo vestito a pois, Martina!Look at this polka dot dress, Martina!
- MartinaÈ molto carino, ma preferisco i colori uniti.It is very cute, but I prefer solid colors.
- LorenzoSecondo me i pois sono divertenti.I think polka dots are fun.
- MartinaForse hai ragione, provo a provarlo.Maybe you are right, I will try it on.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pois, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pois, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
