signora
/siɲˈɲo.ra/
The English word lady is translated into Italian as signora.
signora is used as a polite way to refer to a woman, or as a polite way to address a woman whose name you do not know. It also functions as a formal title similar to 'Mrs.' when placed before a surname.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While signora means lady, it is also the standard equivalent of 'Mrs.' or 'Ma'am' when used as a title. If you are addressing a young, unmarried woman, you should use signorina instead of signora. Additionally, Ragazza translates to 'girl' or 'young lady' and is used for a woman in her younger years or in a friendly context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of signora is signore.
How do you pronounce it?
/siɲˈɲo.ra/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The plural signore is identical in spelling to the masculine singular signore, which means 'gentleman'.
- While signorina is used for younger women, using it for an older woman can be perceived as patronizing or even insulting, rather than a compliment to her youth.
- The word signora shares a common root with the English word 'senior', reflecting its origin from a term denoting someone of higher status or age.
Examples in context
- Chi è questa signora?Who is this lady?The first sentence is useful for asking for the identity of a specific signora.Tatoeba #4590626 by Guybrush88, translation #782798 by Manfredo
- La signora ti conosce?Does the lady know you?The second sentence is useful for asking if a signora is acquainted with someone.Tatoeba #7806339 by Guybrush88, translation #7770277 by sharris123
- La signora suona Bach.The lady plays Bach.The third sentence is useful for describing an action performed by a signora.Tatoeba #9730594 by Guybrush88, translation #9718479 by ariarin
- Signora BianchiMrs. Bianchi
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo is introducing his mother to Giulia.
- MatteoGiulia, ti presento mia madre, la signora Rossi.Giulia, let me introduce my mother, Mrs. Rossi.
- GiuliaPiacere di conoscerla, signora.It is a pleasure to meet you, lady.
- MatteoLei è una signora molto gentile.She is a very kind lady.
- GiuliaSi vede che è molto elegante.One can see that she is very elegant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry signora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries signora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
