signori
/siɲˈɲo.ri/
The English phrase 'gentlemen' is translated into Italian as signori.
signori is a common and versatile term for gentlemen used in formal occasions or business settings. While signori means gentlemen, it is also the standard plural for a mixed-gender group of people in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /siɲˈɲo.ri/.
Did you know?
- Using signori to address a group is common, but in modern casual settings, Italians often swap this for ragazzi, which literally means 'boys' regardless of the men's age.
- The word signore shares the same root as the English word 'senior', both deriving from the Latin 'senior' meaning older.
- While signori is used for 'gentlemen', the word for a 'gentleman' in terms of his character or manners is often 'gentiluomo'.
Examples in context
- C'è un problema qui, signori?Is there a problem here, gentlemen?This sentence shows how to use signori when asking if there is a problem.Tatoeba #7269880 by Guybrush88, translation #6458066 by Hybrid
- Buonasera, signore e signori.Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.This example demonstrates the phrase used in the greeting 'ladies and gentlemen' with signori.Tatoeba #7837636 by supercoolbeas30, translation #1597893 by fanty
- Signori, avviate i vostri motori.Gentlemen, start your engines.This sentence illustrates using signori to address a group when giving a command.Tatoeba #2983561 by Guybrush88, translation #431628 by Clavain
- Buongiorno signoriGood morning gentlemen
- Egregi Signori, vi scrivo per confermare la prenotazioneDear Sirs, I am writing to confirm the reservation
- Illustri Signori, vi ringrazio per l'opportunità di rivolgermi a voiDistinguished Gentlemen, I thank you for the opportunity to address you
- Buonasera ragazzi e signori, benvenuti alla festaGood evening guys and gentlemen, welcome to the party
- Signori, vorrei presentarvi il nostro progetto per il prossimo trimestreGentlemen, I would like to introduce our project for the next quarter
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A waitress greets a group of men at a restaurant table.
- AlessandroBenvenuti, signori. Siete pronti per ordinare?Welcome, gentlemen. Are you ready to order?
- GiuliaSì, grazie. Possiamo avere il menù?Yes, thank you. Can we have the menu?
- AlessandroCertamente, signori. Arrivo subito.Certainly, gentlemen. I'll be right back.
- GiuliaGrazie mille, Giulia.Thank you very much, Giulia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry signori, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
