nonno
/ˈnɔn.no/masculine
nonno is the Italian word for grandpa.
nonno is the standard and most common term for grandpa in Italian. While it can mean grandfather, it is the common informal way to say 'grandpa' within a family context.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
nonno is the masculine singular form used for a grandfather. If you wish to use more affectionate or playful terms, you might use Nonnino, which is an endearing form or Nonnuccio, which is a playful term similar to 'nonnetto'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of nonno is nonna (grandma). 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 shares its roots with the Late Latin word nonnus, which was originally used to describe a monk or a religious elder.
- While nonno is the standard term, some Italian families use the word vecchietto as a playful, affectionate nickname for a grandpa, though it literally translates to 'little old man'.
- In Italian, calling someone nonno can sometimes be used figuratively to describe a person who is very old-fashioned or 'old school' in their habits.
Examples in context
- Mio nonno è morto.My grandpa is dead.This sentence is useful for stating that a nonno has passed away.Tatoeba #10932009 by JeanM, translation #8999582 by mccarras
- Mio nonno è malato.My grandpa is sick.This sentence is useful for describing a nonno who is ill.Tatoeba #5691088 by dnnywld, translation #5343670 by lolawesome65
- Dove vive tuo nonno?Where does your grandpa live?This sentence is useful for asking about the residence of a nonno.Tatoeba #2421152 by Guybrush88, translation #394891 by Dorenda
- Nonno, sei stato un grande punto di riferimento per tutta la famiglia.Grandpa, you have been a great point of reference for the whole family.
- Nonnetto, vieni qui che ti racconto una storia divertente.Grandpa, come here, I'll tell you a funny story.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are looking at old family photos.
- ChiaraChi è questo uomo nella foto?Who is this man in the photo?
- FrancescoÈ mio nonno quando era giovane.It is my grandpa when he was young.
- ChiaraAssomigli molto a tuo nonno!You look a lot like your grandpa!
- FrancescoSì, me lo dicono sempre.Yes, they always tell me that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” 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.
