sfinge

sphinx

noun SFEEN-jeh Rare

Origin: Latin sphinx, from Greek Sphínx, related to sphingein 'to bind/squeeze'.

Also means

enigmatic person

Usage Note

Sfinge is feminine. It refers to the mythological sphinx (la Sfinge di Giza) and figuratively to someone who is impenetrably mysterious: è una sfinge ('he is a sphinx' = utterly inscrutable). The plural is le sfingi. The expression fare la sfinge means 'to give nothing away, to remain totally silent'.

Examples

"È impossibile capirlo: è una vera sfinge."

Natural Translation

It is impossible to understand him: he is a true sphinx.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Diminutives: -ino, -etto, -one Explained

Italian diminutives like -ino, -etto, and -one signal size, affection, or contempt. Learn to read the feeling, dodge gender flips, and spot false diminutives.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Reflexive Verbs: Mi Chiamo, Mi Alzo & More

Italian reflexive verbs use mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si — learn the pronouns, conjugate chiamarsi and alzarsi, master your daily routine, and the modal-verb rule.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Hand Gestures: Meanings & When to Use

Italian hand gestures decoded: what the pinched fingers, cheek screw, and chin flick mean, which ones are safe to use, and the one gesture to never make.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian False Friends: 20 Words That Trick You

Italian false friends like preservativo, parenti, and caldo mean the opposite of what English speakers expect. Here are 20 ranked by how badly they bite.

June 5, 2026 6 min read