Signore
/siɲˈɲo.re/masculine
The Italian word for 'lord' is Signore.
Signore is used to refer to God as 'the Lord' in a religious context. When used in this religious sense, it is almost always capitalized in written Italian. The term can also mean an aristocrat or be used as a polite way to say 'Sir' or 'Mr.' when addressing a man.
Meaning: God (name)
Which one should you use?
While Signore is the standard term for 'Lord' in religious contexts, it also serves as a polite way to address a man as 'Sir'. In historical or literary settings, you may encounter Mio Signore, which specifically means 'My Lord'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to God as 'the Lord', Signore is used with the masculine definite article il.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /siɲˈɲo.re/.
Did you know?
- The word Signore actually shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'sir' through the Latin word for 'old'.
- The word Signore is used in the common Italian phrase Signore e Signori, which is the direct equivalent of the English 'Ladies and Gentlemen'.
- In many Italian-speaking regions, if you address a waiter or a shopkeeper as Signore, you might actually sound overly stiff or even slightly ironic.
Examples in context
- Non sono il Signore.I'm not the Lord.This sentence uses Signore to express a denial of being the Lord.Tatoeba #13921068 by Guybrush88, translation #13902084 by rul
- Il Signore è versatile: dà e prende.The Lord is versatile: He giveth and taketh.This sentence uses Signore to describe the versatile nature of the Lord.Tatoeba #9982763 by Guybrush88, translation #9142071 by shekitten
- Tom lesse il "Signore degli anelli".Tom read the Lord of the Rings.This sentence uses Signore as part of a book title.Tatoeba #10533762 by Guybrush88, translation #7792736 by Hybrid
- Per favore, signore, mi può dire l'ora?Please, sir, can you tell me the time?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are sitting in a church during a quiet moment.
- LorenzoPreghiamo il Signore.Let us pray to the Lord.
- MartinaSì, il Signore ci ascolta.Yes, the Lord listens to us.
- LorenzoSento la Sua pace.I feel His peace.
- MartinaIl Signore è con noi.The Lord is with us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lord” translations and entries Signore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry signore.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries signore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
