gesto
gesture / hand gesture
Beginner Noun Masculine
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Pronunciation
/ˈdʒɛsto/
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Cultural Note
Italian hand gestures (gesticolare) are a genuine form of communication, not a stereotype. Researchers have catalogued over 250 distinct Italian gestures. The most famous is the 'pinched fingers' (mano a carciofo), which can mean 'what do you want?' or express frustration.
📝 Example Sentences
Gli italiani parlano con molti gesti.
Italians speak with many gestures.
Quel gesto è stato molto gentile.
That gesture was very kind.
Ha fatto un gesto con la mano per dire 'vieni qui.'
He made a hand gesture to say 'come here.'