zecca
/ˈd͡zek.ka/
The English word 'tick' (as a checkmark) is translated into Italian as zecca.
The most common way to say 'checkmark' in Italian is segno di spunta. In highly formal settings, you may see the phrase marchio di spunta used to mean 'checkmark' or 'tick mark'.
Meaning: checkmark (noun)
Which one should you use?
While zecca refers to the mark itself, the verb used to 'check off' an item on a list is spuntare.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ticchettare is related to the sound of a tick, meaning to make a clicking noise, whereas spuntare is the specific verb used to mean 'to check off' or 'to mark off'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdzek.ka/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If you use the word zecca to describe a person in a different context, you might accidentally call them a 'mint', as the word also refers to a place where coins are made.
- The verb for checking off a list, spuntare, is the same word used to describe a plant sprouting from the soil.
- If you use zecca to mean a checkmark in a casual conversation about insects, an Italian might be confused whether you are talking about a list or a pest.
Examples in context
- Per favore, metti un segno accanto agli elementi che hai completato nella lista di controllo.Please put a tick next to the items you have completed on the checklist.
- Ho spuntato tutte le cose che dovevo fare oggi!I've ticked off all the things I needed to do today!
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are filling out a form together.
- MatteoChiara, cosa devo scrivere qui?Chiara, what should I write here?
- ChiaraNon scrivere nulla, basta una zecca.Don't write anything, a tick is enough.
- MatteoOk, ho messo la zecca.Ok, I put the tick.
- ChiaraPerfetto, ora possiamo consegnare il modulo.Perfect, now we can hand in the form.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zecca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zecca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
