Spanish word

pulgar

Pronunciation

IPA/pulˈɣaɾ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounthumb

Example

Me duele el pulgar.

My thumb hurts.

Illustration for pulgar (thumb)

More examples

Cuando votaron, muchos levantaron el pulgar hacia arriba.

When they voted, many gave a thumbs up.

Core concept

Opposing shorter finger enabling a firm grip against the palm and other fingers.

Common phrases

  • pulgar hacia arriba

    thumbs up

  • pulgar hacia abajo

    thumbs down

  • uña del pulgar

    thumbnail

  • dolor en el pulgar

    thumb pain

Similar words

dedo pulgar: Short, thick opposable finger of the hand that helps hold and manipulate objects.
índice: Finger used for pointing and for precise, delicate movements.
dedo medio: Long finger positioned at the center of the hand.
meñique: Small finger at the outer edge of the hand.

Definition in Spanish

Dedo situado junto al índice, más corto y fuerte, que permite la oposición y el agarre en la mano.

Word origin

Borrowed from classical Latin pollex (genitive pollicis), whose Vulgar Latin form evolved into Spanish pulgar.

Usage tips

  • Pulgar is grammatically masculine, so use el pulgar and phrases like el pulgar derecho for 'the right thumb'.

Word lists with this word