Sig.ra
The Italian equivalent of "Mrs." is Sig.ra, the written abbreviation of Signora, placed before a woman's surname.
Sig.ra is used in writing, such as on letters, forms and name lists, before a surname. In speech you say the full word Signora.
What does it mean word for word?
Sig.ra is short for Signora, keeping the first letters and the ending.
Which one should you use?
Signora also works on its own as a polite way to address a woman, much like "Madam" in English. Sig. is the matching abbreviation for "Mr.".
Did you know?
- The word Signora shares the same root as the English word 'senior', both deriving from the Latin 'senior' meaning 'older'.
- While Signora is used for married women, it is also the standard polite way to address any woman of mature age, regardless of her marital status.
- While Signora is the formal title, close friends or family might use the diminutive Signorina ironically to tease an older woman about her youth.
Examples in context
- Signora RossiMrs. Rossi
- Lei è la Signora Bianchi?Are you Mrs. Bianchi?
- Signora Maria, come sta oggi?Mrs. Maria, how are you today?
- Signora Bianca, lei sa dove si trova il ristorante?Mrs. Bianca, do you know where the restaurant is?
- Buongiorno, Sig.ra Bianchi.Good morning, Mrs. Bianchi.
- La Sig.ra Rossi è molto gentile.Mrs. Rossi is very kind.
- Deve chiamare la Sig.ra Moretti.You must call Mrs. Moretti.
Example conversation
Matteo is asking Giulia for the name of a client.
- GiuliaChi è la nostra nuova cliente?Who is our new client?
- MatteoÈ la Sig.ra Ferrari.It is Mrs. Ferrari.
- GiuliaDevo scriverle un'email?Should I write her an email?
- MatteoSì, per favore.Yes, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Sig.ra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
