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Italian Phrase

È finito il dentifricio?

/ɛ fiˈni.to il den.tiˈfri.tʃo/
Meaning"Is the toothpaste finished?"
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Meaning

Literally ‘Is the toothpaste finished?’, this question is used to check whether the tube of toothpaste has run out or is almost empty. It can be asked to a roommate, family member, or even to yourself when you’re not sure if there’s any left.

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When to use

Use this phrase in a shared bathroom or kitchen when you notice the toothpaste tube is low, or when you need to ask someone to buy a new one. It’s a polite, neutral way to bring up a household supply issue.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Èfinitoildentifricio?

1

È (essere)

Third‑person singular present of the verb *essere*; used here as an auxiliary to form a state.

2

finito (participio passato)

Past participle of *finire* used as an adjective meaning ‘finished, out of’. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes.

3

il (articolo determinativo)

Masculine singular definite article that precedes *dentifricio*.

4

dentifricio (sostantivo)

Masculine noun meaning ‘toothpaste’. The stress falls on the third syllable.

🗨In Conversation

A

È finito il dentifricio?

Is the toothpaste finished?

Sì, l’ho finito stamattina. Ne compro uno nuovo domani.

Yes, I used it up this morning. I’ll buy a new one tomorrow.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • È finita il dentifricio?

    Dentifricio is masculine, so the past participle must be *finito*, not *finita*.

  • E finito il dentifricio?

    The verb *essere* needs the accent on È; without it the word means ‘and’ (e).

  • Il dentifricio è finita?

    Again, gender agreement – the adjective must match the masculine noun.

↔Alternatives

  • Il dentifricio è finito?

    Is the toothpaste finished?

  • Hai finito il dentifricio?

    Did you finish the toothpaste?

  • Non c'è più dentifricio?

    Is there no toothpaste left?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italian households it’s common to share bathroom items like toothpaste. When asking, keep the tone light and friendly; adding a smile or a “per favore” (please) makes the request sound even more courteous. In some regions (e.g., Southern Italy) you might hear the informal *‘È finito il dentifricio?’* with a slightly higher intonation, signalling a quick check rather than a formal request.