nonna e nonno
/ˈnɔn.na ˈe ˈnɔn.no/word by word
The Italian phrase for "grandma and grandpa" is nonna e nonno.
The phrase is used to refer to the parents of one's father or mother.
Which one should you use?
While nonna e nonno specifies the two individuals separately, the masculine plural form nonni is used to mean "grandparents" as a collective group.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use the informal term nonnino to refer to a grandfather. To express endearment when speaking to or about grandparents, it is common to use the diminutive forms nonnina and nonnino, which mean "little grandma" and "little grandpa".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase combines the feminine singular nonna (grandma) and the masculine singular nonno (grandpa).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈnɔn.na ˈe ˈnɔn.no/. The phrase has 5 syllables, and the first syllable is stressed.
Did you know?
- In Italian culture, calling someone nonno can occasionally be used jokingly or slightly disrespectfully to imply that someone is acting old or behaving like an elder.
- In Italy, it is common to call a grandmother nonna even if she is not your biological relative, as a sign of respect and affection for an elderly woman.
- The concept of the nonna is so central to Italian culture that the phrase come diceva la nonna (as grandma used to say) is used to introduce traditional wisdom or folk remedies.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are talking about their holiday plans.
- MatteoDove vai in vacanza, Giulia?Where are you going on vacation, Giulia?
- GiuliaVado a trovare nonna e nonno in campagna.I am going to visit grandma and grandpa in the countryside.
- MatteoChe bella idea! Ti mancano molto?What a great idea! Do you miss them a lot?
- GiuliaSì, non vedo l'ora di abbracciarli.Yes, I can't wait to hug them.
