nonna
/ˈnɔn.na/feminine
The Italian word for grandmother is nonna.
nonna is a feminine noun used to refer to the mother of one's parent. It serves as the standard term for grandmother and is also used as a direct address or a term of endearment when speaking to or about one's grandmother.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While nonna is the standard term for grandmother, the diminutive form nonnina can be used as an affectionate term similar to 'granny' or 'grandma' in English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form nonnina is informal and is used specifically to express affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form of nonna is nonno, which means grandfather. The term nonna is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɔn.na/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word nonna can be used as a generic, affectionate term for any elderly woman, even if there is no actual family relation.
- If you are talking about a 'great-grandmother', you do not simply add a word for 'great', but instead use the term bisnonna.
- Because Italian grammar uses gendered nouns, the term nonni is used as a collective plural to refer to both grandmothers and grandfathers together.
Examples in context
- Io amo mia nonna.I love my grandmother.This sentence shows how to express affection for your nonna.Tatoeba #13967077 by Guybrush88, translation #13327262 by alkaitagi
- Mia nonna è morta.My grandmother died.This sentence is useful for stating that your nonna has died.Tatoeba #2556555 by Guybrush88, translation #2486586 by Hybrid
- È morta mia nonna.My grandmother passed away.This sentence is an alternative way to say your nonna has passed away.Tatoeba #2556557 by Guybrush88, translation #2556535 by Hybrid
- Nonnina, mi manchi molto.Grandma, I miss you very much.
- Ho passato il pomeriggio a fare biscotti con nonnina.I spent the afternoon baking cookies with grandma.
- Nonnù, raccontami di quando eri giovane!Grandma, tell me about when you were young!
- Nonna Lalla, mi racconti una storia?Grandma Lalla, can you tell me a story?
- 196 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are talking about their family during coffee.
- FrancescoCome sta la tua nonna, Giulia?How is your grandmother, Giulia?
- GiuliaLa mia nonna sta molto bene, grazie.My grandmother is doing very well, thank you.
- FrancescoChe bello! Anche la mia nonna è in salute.That's great! My grandmother is also healthy.
- GiuliaSiamo fortunati ad averle vicine.We are lucky to have them close by.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandmother” translations and entries nonna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
