unghia del piede
The English phrase 'toenail' is unghia del piede in Italian.
The term refers to the plate covering the end of a toe.
Meaning: the plate covering the end of a toe (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of unghia (nail), del (of the) and piede (foot).
Which one should you use?
The single word unghia can mean either a fingernail or a toenail. Therefore, unghia del piede is used specifically to specify the toe.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
unghia del piede is the formal or standard way to say 'toenail'. In informal or affectionate contexts, you may use unghia del piedino.
Did you know?
- The word unghia comes from the Latin ungula which originally referred to a small hoof.
- The word piede is the root of the name of the Italian region Piemonte which means 'at the foot of the mountain'.
- Italian uses the same word unghia for the 'nail' of a tool or a mechanical hook.
Examples in context
- Ho un problema all'unghia del piede.I have a problem with my toenail.
- Mi è caduto qualcosa sull'unghia del piede.Something fell on my toenail.
- Hai un'unghia del piede incarnita.You have an ingrown toenail.
- Devo tagliare l'unghia del piede destra.I need to cut my right toenail.
Example conversation
Chiara is helping Francesco with a pedicure.
- FrancescoChiara, guarda l'unghia del piede.Chiara, look at my toenail.
- ChiaraSì, Francesco, è un po' rotta.Yes, Francesco, it is a bit broken.
- FrancescoPuoi tagliarla per me?Can you cut it for me?
- ChiaraCerto, prendo subito le forbici.Of course, I'll get the scissors right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toenail” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries del, piede, unghia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
