Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pulgar | /pulˈɡaɾ/ | masculine |
| pólice | /poliθe/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /polise/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| dedo pulgar | /ˌdedo pulˈɡaɾ/ | masculine |
| dedo gordo | /dedo ɡoɾdo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| (quiro-)dedo gordo | masculine |
Pulgar is the standard anatomical term for the thumb used in most contexts. While it is the most common way to refer to the digit, other variations exist depending on the level of formality or colloquialism.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dedo pulgar literally means 'thumb finger'.
Which one should you use?
Pulgar is the standard term. Dedo pulgar is a more explicit way to say 'thumb finger'. Dedo gordo is a common colloquial way to refer to the thumb, although it literally translates to 'fat finger'. In medical contexts, you may see the term (quiro-)dedo gordo.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to one's own thumb in a sentence, it is common to use the definite article el instead of a possessive adjective, such as in me duele el pulgar (my thumb hurts).
How do you pronounce it?
/pulˈɡaɾ/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Me pinché el pulgar con una aguja.I pricked my thumb with a needle.This sentence is useful for describing a small injury to the pulgar.Tatoeba #1540144 by marcelostockle, translation #269858 by CK
- Me lastimé el pulgar haciendo una voltereta.I hurt my thumb doing a handspring.This sentence is useful for describing an injury to the pulgar caused by physical activity.Tatoeba #4179571 by Leono, translation #773213 by Zifre
- Tom atrapó un mosquito entre su pulgar y su índice.Tom caught a mosquito between his thumb and first finger.This sentence is useful for describing the position of a mosquito between the pulgar and the index finger.Tatoeba #1368108 by marcelostockle, translation #1095541 by CK
- Me lastimé el pulgar al cerrar la puerta.I hurt my thumb while closing the door.
- El dedo pulgar es la parte más corta de la mano.The thumb is the shortest part of the hand.
- Me golpeé el dedo gordo al martillar.I hit my thumb while hammering.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a photo of a newborn baby.
- JavierMira el pulgar de este bebé.Look at this baby's thumb.
- ElenaEs muy pequeño y lindo.It is very small and cute.
- JavierParece que tiene un dedo muy fuerte.It looks like he has a very strong finger.
- ElenaSí, su pulgar es muy gordito.Yes, his thumb is very chubby.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thumb” translations and entries pulgar, pólice, dedo pulgar, dedo gordo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dedo, gordo, pulgar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
