stuzzicadenti
/ˌstut.t͡si.kaˈdɛn.ti/masculine
The English word toothpick is translated into Italian as stuzzicadenti. Wiktionary also lists stecchino.
Meaning: stick for removing food residue from the area between the teeth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| stuzzicadenti | /ˌstut.t͡si.kaˈdɛn.ti/ | masculine |
| stecchino | /stekˈki.no/ | masculine |
stuzzicadenti is a common and widely used word for a stick used to remove food residue from between the teeth.
Which one should you use?
While stuzzicadenti specifically refers to a toothpick, stecchino is a more general term for any small, thin stick, such as a skewer or a popsicle stick.
How does it change in a sentence?
stuzzicadenti is an invariable noun, which means its form does not change between the singular and the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌstut.tsi.kaˈdɛn.ti/. The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word stuzzichini refers to savory appetizers or finger foods, derived from the same root as stuzzicadenti.
- While stecchino means 'small stick', it is also used colloquially to describe a person who is extremely thin.
- Using a stuzzicadenti in public during a meal is often considered impolite in Italy unless it is done very discreetly.
Examples in context
- Mi dia uno stuzzicadenti.Give me a toothpick.This sentence is useful for requesting a toothpick using stuzzicadenti.Tatoeba #3497169 by Guybrush88, translation #440083 by CM
- Tom usò uno stuzzicadenti.Tom used a toothpick.This sentence is useful for describing the use of a toothpick with stuzzicadenti.Tatoeba #3497178 by Guybrush88, translation #1482611 by Spamster
- Perché ti serve questo stuzzicadenti?Why do you need this toothpick?This sentence is useful for asking why a toothpick is needed with stuzzicadenti.Tatoeba #3497182 by Guybrush88, translation #2148699 by jeedrek
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are finishing a meal at a restaurant.
- ChiaraLorenzo, hai uno stuzzicadenti per me?Lorenzo, do you have a toothpick for me?
- LorenzoNo, non ne ho nessuno con me.No, I don't have any with me.
- ChiaraChiedo al cameriere uno stuzzicadenti allora.I'll ask the waiter for a toothpick then.
- LorenzoFai pure, io non ne ho bisogno.Go ahead, I don't need one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toothpick” translations and entries stuzzicadenti, stecchino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
