signorine
The Italian word for "misses" is signorine.
signorine is a formal title used to address or refer to unmarried women.
Which one should you use?
While signorina is used for unmarried women, signora is the standard title for married women or women of a certain age/status.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
signorina is used as a formal or polite way to address young or unmarried women.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the plural signorine is signorina.
Did you know?
- While signorina refers to marital status, the Italian language has no single-word equivalent for 'Ms.' that avoids specifying if a woman is married or not.
- In a traditional Italian cafe, a waiter might address any young female customer as signorina even if she is married, using the term as a compliment to her youth rather than a statement of her legal status.
- In some contexts, calling a woman signorina when she is clearly older can be interpreted as a flirtatious gesture or an attempt to be overly charming.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, Signora Rossi. Come posso aiutarla oggi?Good morning, Mrs. Rossi. How can I assist you today?
- Ciao, signorina! Come stai oggi?Hi, Miss! How are you today?
- Le signorine sono venute a trovarmi.The young ladies have come to visit me.
Example conversation
Francesco is a hotel receptionist greeting female guests.
- FrancescoBuongiorno, signorine, posso aiutarvi?Good morning, misses, can I help you?
- SofiaSì, vorremmo prenotare una camera.Yes, we would like to book a room.
- FrancescoCertamente, avete già una prenotazione?Certainly, do you already have a reservation?
- SofiaNo, non abbiamo ancora nulla.No, we don't have anything yet.
