nonno
/ˈnɔn.no/masculine
The Italian word for grandfather is nonno.
nonno is the most widely used term for grandfather in Italian.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While nonno is the standard term, the diminutive nonnino is often used as an affectionate term for a grandfather. Similarly, nonnetto is an informal term that expresses fondness towards your grandfather.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more affectionate or endearing contexts, you can use the informal terms nonnino or nonnetto.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, nonnu may be used instead of nonno.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of grandfather is nonna (grandmother). To refer to grandparents as a group, use the masculine plural form nonni.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɔn.no/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word nonno is derived from the Late Latin word nonnus, which was originally used to refer to a monk.
- In many Italian communities, it is common to call any elderly man nonno as a sign of respect, even if you are not related to him.
- The phrase nonni babysitter has emerged in modern Italian to describe the common cultural phenomenon of grandparents providing childcare.
Examples in context
- Tom è mio nonno.Tom is my grandfather.This sentence shows how to identify a person as your nonno.Tatoeba #5888416 by Guybrush88, translation #1495853 by CK
- Io sono un nonno.I'm a grandfather.This sentence is useful for stating that you are a nonno.Tatoeba #5631608 by Guybrush88, translation #3735547 by CK
- È come suo nonno.He's like his grandfather.This sentence shows how to compare someone to his nonno.Tatoeba #8994084 by Guybrush88, translation #7389025 by CH
- Ho sempre ammirato mio nonno per la sua saggezza.I have always admired my grandfather for his wisdom.
- Buon compleanno, nonno Giovanni!Happy birthday, Grandpa Giovanni!
- 201 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are looking at old family photos.
- SofiaChi è quest'uomo nella foto?Who is this man in the photo?
- FrancescoLui è mio nonno.He is my grandfather.
- SofiaÈ molto simile a te, Francesco.He looks very similar to you, Francesco.
- FrancescoSì, diciamo tutti i nonni sono così.Yes, let's say all grandfathers are like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries nonno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nonno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
