Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gentiluomo | /d͡ʒen.tiˈlwɔ.mo/ | masculine |
| galantuomo | /ɡa.lanˈtwɔ.mo/ | masculine |
| signore | /siɲˈɲo.re/ | masculine |
The term gentiluomo refers to a man who is well-bred, well-mannered or charming. While it describes a man's character, other words may be used depending on whether you are addressing someone or describing a specific title.
What does it mean word for word?
The word gentiluomo is a combination of gentil, meaning gentle or noble and uomo, meaning man.
Which one should you use?
Gentiluomo is used specifically to describe a man's manners and character. In contrast, signore is a more general term for a man or a title of respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/dʒen.tiˈlwɔ.mo/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using signore when you want to describe a man's gentlemanly character. signore is primarily used as a polite way to address a man or as a title equivalent to Mr.
Did you know?
- The word signore is a linguistic descendant of the Latin word for 'old', senex, meaning it is etymologically linked to the concept of seniority rather than just politeness.
- Italian has a specific distinction between gentiluomo and galantuomo that English usually collapses into the single word 'gentleman'.
- In modern Italy, calling someone a gentiluomo can sometimes sound archaic or like a description from a 19th-century novel.
Examples in context
- Non è un gentiluomo.He is no gentleman.This sentence is useful for saying someone is not a gentleman using gentiluomo.Tatoeba #5166922 by Guybrush88, translation #300006 by CS
- È un vero gentiluomo.He is a real gentleman.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a real gentleman using gentiluomo.Tatoeba #3758600 by Guybrush88, translation #284369 by CK
- Chi è quel gentiluomo?Who is that gentleman?This sentence is useful for asking who a specific gentleman is using gentiluomo.Tatoeba #1253807 by Guybrush88, translation #68187 by CK
- Buongiorno, signore.Good morning, sir.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are talking about a man they met at a party.
- MartinaMarco è un gentiluomo.Marco is a gentleman.
- MatteoSì, è molto educato.Yes, he is very polite.
- MartinaHa aiutato tutti con gentilezza.He helped everyone with kindness.
- MatteoUn vero gentiluomo, proprio.A true gentleman, indeed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gentleman” translations and entries gentiluomo, galantuomo, signore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries signore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
