signor
/siɲˈɲor/
The Italian word for Mr is signor.
signor is a title used before the surname or full name of a man. While the standard and most widely used way to say 'Mr' in Italian is signore, the form signor is used specifically when the title precedes a name.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'Mr.', which is an abbreviation, signor is a truncated form of signore used specifically for phonetic and stylistic reasons before a name. The full form signore is used in other contexts, while signor is the version used immediately before a proper name.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a specific person in the third person, the definite article il is typically used before the title, such as in il signor Rossi. The plural form of the title is signori.
How do you pronounce it?
/siɲˈɲor/
Did you know?
- Using signor followed by only a surname, like 'signor Rossi', is standard, but using it with only a first name, like 'signor Mario', is considered extremely unusual and often sounds slightly condescending or overly paternalistic.
- The word signor comes from the Latin senior, meaning 'elder'. It originally denoted social rank and age rather than just being a polite title.
- The word signore is also the primary word used for 'Lord' in a religious context, such as when referring to God in the Bible.
Examples in context
- È il signor Jones.He is Mr Jones.This sentence is useful for identifying someone using signor.Tatoeba #8967444 by Guybrush88, translation #290150 by CH
- Chi è il signor Owen?Who's Mr. Owen?This sentence is useful for asking who a specific person is using signor.Tatoeba #724406 by Guybrush88, translation #724405 by CP
- Mi chiami Signor Ziri.Call me Mr. Ziri.This sentence is useful for expressing how someone should be addressed using signor.Tatoeba #11721955 by Guybrush88, translation #10356039 by Amastan
- 547 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia is introducing a new client to her colleague Alessandro.
- GiuliaAlessandro, ti presento il signor Bianchi.Alessandro, I introduce you to Mr. Bianchi.
- AlessandroPiacere di conoscerla, signor Bianchi.Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bianchi.
- GiuliaIl signor Bianchi è un architetto.Mr. Bianchi is an architect.
- AlessandroBenvenuto nel nostro ufficio.Welcome to our office.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry signor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
