nonna
/ˈnɔn.na/feminine
The Italian word for grandma is nonna.
nonna is the informal way to say grandmother.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of nonna is nonne. When you are addressing a grandmother directly, such as when calling out to her, you typically omit the definite article la.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable: /ˈnɔn.na/.
Did you know?
- In Latin, the word nonna was originally used to describe a nun.
- In some Italian families, a person might be nicknamed nonnina even if they are quite young, simply because of their sweet or nurturing temperament.
- Adding the suffix -ona creates nonnona, which can describe a grandmother who is physically large or has a huge personality.
Examples in context
- Tua nonna ti ama.Your grandma loves you.This sentence shows how to use nonna to express someone's affection for you.Tatoeba #12253355 by Guybrush88, translation #12251931 by CK
- La nonna mi viziò.Grandma spoiled me.This sentence uses nonna to describe how a grandmother spoiled someone.Tatoeba #10206606 by Guybrush88, translation #10181874 by ddnktr
- Amo la nonna e il nonno.I love grandma and grandpa.This sentence demonstrates using nonna alongside the term for grandpa.Tatoeba #11229810 by Guybrush88, translation #11229808 by ddnktr
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are talking about their weekend plans.
- FrancescoChiara, hai visto la nonna oggi?Chiara, have you seen grandma today?
- ChiaraNo, non l'ho vista, ma lei è a casa.No, I haven't seen her, but she is at home.
- FrancescoAllora andiamo a trovare la nonna insieme.Then let's go visit grandma together.
- ChiaraOttima idea, Francesco, andiamo subito!Great idea, Francesco, let's go right now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations and entries nonna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nonna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
