pollice
/ˈpɔl.li.t͡ʃe/masculine
The English word 'thumb' is pollice in Italian. Wiktionary also lists dito grosso.
Meaning: digit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pollice | /ˈpɔl.li.t͡ʃe/ | masculine |
| dito grosso | masculine |
The word refers to the digit on the hand. You can also use the phrase pollice alzato to express approval or to indicate a 'thumbs up' gesture.
Which one should you use?
pollice is the standard anatomical term for thumb, whereas dito grosso is a more descriptive, informal way to refer to it.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈpɔl.li.tʃe/.
When do people say it?
The phrase pollice alzato is used to express approval or to indicate a 'thumbs up' gesture.
Did you know?
- In ancient Rome, the gesture pollice verso (turned thumb) was used in the arena to decide a gladiator's fate, though historians debate whether a 'thumbs up' actually meant life or death.
- The Italian word pollice shares its root with the English word 'pollex', which is the technical anatomical term for the thumb used in medical contexts.
- In Italian, the phrase aver il pollice verde describes someone with a knack for gardening, mirroring the English 'green thumb'.
Examples in context
- Mi scrocchiai il pollice.I cracked my thumb.This sentence is useful for showing how to say 'I cracked my thumb' using pollice.Tatoeba #13711485 by Guybrush88, translation #8021654 by Amastan
- Tom si succhiò il pollice.Tom sucked his thumb.This sentence is useful for showing how to say 'Tom sucked his thumb' using pollice.Tatoeba #13711481 by Guybrush88, translation #12770037 by rul
- Si sta succhiando il pollice.He's sucking his thumb.This sentence is useful for showing how to say 'He's sucking his thumb' using pollice.Tatoeba #8991479 by Guybrush88, translation #7389260 by CH
- Il mio pollice destro è più forte del sinistro.My right thumb is stronger than the left one.
- Ho disegnato un cuore sull'unghia del pollice della mano destra.I drew a heart on the thumbnail of my right hand.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are looking at a small injury in the kitchen.
- GiuliaTi sei tagliato il pollice?Did you cut your thumb?
- AlessandroSì, il pollice destro mi fa male.Yes, my right thumb hurts.
- GiuliaDevi mettere un cerotto sul pollice.You need to put a bandage on your thumb.
- AlessandroGrazie, lo farò subito.Thanks, I will do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thumb” translations and entries pollice, dito grosso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dito, grosso, pollice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
