soprannome
/so.pranˈno.me/masculine
The Italian word for nickname is soprannome.
The term soprannome refers to a familiar, invented given name used to identify someone.
Meaning: familiar, invented given name (noun)
Which one should you use?
While soprannome is the standard term, nomignolo is used in more informal situations.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of soprannome is soprannomi.
How do you pronounce it?
/so.pranˈno.me/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word soprannome literally translates to 'above name' because it implies a name that sits on top of your official one.
- In many parts of Italy, a nickname is not just a friendly label but is often a 'soprannome di famiglia', which can be passed down through generations to identify specific branches of a family.
- It is common in Italy to give a soprannome to a friend that sounds insulting in English but is actually a sign of deep affection and intimacy.
Examples in context
- Tu hai un soprannome?Do you have a nickname?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a nickname using soprannome.Tatoeba #3796952 by Guybrush88, translation #3788775 by CK
- Non ho un soprannome.I don't have a nickname.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have a nickname using soprannome.Tatoeba #5674602 by dnnywld, translation #3620823 by Ricardo14
- Il mio soprannome è Tom.My nickname is Tom.This sentence is useful for identifying your nickname using soprannome.Tatoeba #4961500 by Guybrush88, translation #2791104 by CN
- Mi chiamo Valentina, ma il mio nomignolo è Vale.I'm Valentina, but my nickname is Vale.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about how people call them.
- FrancescoChe soprannome usi di solito?What nickname do you usually use?
- ChiaraTutti mi chiamano Chiara, non ho un soprannome.Everyone calls me Chiara, I don't have a nickname.
- FrancescoE io ho un soprannome divertente.And I have a funny nickname.
- ChiaraDimmi il tuo soprannome, Francesco!Tell me your nickname, Francesco!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nickname” translations and entries soprannome, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries soprannome, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
