signore e signori
/siɲˈɲo.re ˈe siɲˈɲo.ri/word by word
The English phrase "ladies and gentlemen" is translated into Italian as signore e signori.
signore e signori is a common and straightforward way to address a mixed-gender audience formally. It is used in formal public speaking, such as at galas, ceremonies or formal presentations.
Meaning: phrase used to address an audience of men and women (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the default form is signore e signori, it is also very common to see the order reversed as signori e signore (gentlemen and ladies).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For particularly distinguished or esteemed individuals, you may use illustri signore e signori, which means "illustrious ladies and gentlemen".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, signori is the plural masculine form of signore (gentleman/Mr.).
How do you pronounce it?
/siɲˈɲo.re ˈe siɲˈɲo.ri/. The word has 6 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- Because signore is derived from the Latin word for 'old', the term originally implied a sense of seniority or wisdom rather than just a gendered title.
- In very old-fashioned or highly theatrical Italian, a speaker might use eccellenze instead of signore e signori to address a room of high-ranking officials.
- The phrase signore e signori is frequently used as a dramatic lead-in by circus ringmasters and variety show hosts to build anticipation.
Examples in context
- Buonasera, signore e signori.Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.This sentence is useful for practicing a formal evening greeting.Tatoeba #7837636 by supercoolbeas30, translation #1597893 by fanty
- Signore e Signori, sono molto felice di essere qui.Ladies and gentlemen, I'm very happy to be here.This sentence is useful for expressing happiness at being present at an event.Tatoeba #4721224 by Guybrush88, translation #2044969 by CK
- Signore e signori!Ladies and gentlemen!This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #10148779 by Guybrush88, translation #10053300 by ddnktr
- Buonasera, signore e signori. Sono lieto di essere qui con voi questa sera.Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to be here with you tonight.
- Grazie per l'invito, illustri signore e signori. È un onore essere qui oggi.Thank you for the invitation, illustrious ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to be here today.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo is introducing a guest speaker at a formal event.
- LorenzoSignore e signori, benvenuti a questa serata.Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this evening.
- GiuliaGrazie per l'introduzione, Lorenzo.Thank you for the introduction, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoPrego, Giulia. Il palco è tuo.You're welcome, Giulia. The stage is yours.
- GiuliaOra inizio il mio discorso.Now I will begin my speech.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ladies and gentlemen” translations and entries signore e signori, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (signore, e, signori) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries e, signore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
