nonno
/ˈnɔn.no/
nonno is the Italian word for grandfather.
nonno is the most common way to say grandfather in Italian. You can use it in various expressions, such as Il mio adorato nonno for 'my beloved grandfather', Nonno caro for 'dear grandfather' or Il nonno di tutti for 'the grandfather of everyone'.
Which one should you use?
Use nonno for a grandfather, while the feminine form nonna is used to mean grandmother. To express affection or an endearing tone, you can use the diminutive form nonnino.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form nonni can refer to a group of grandfathers or a mixed-gender group of grandparents. If you are referring specifically to a group of grandmothers, use the plural form nonne.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable: /ˈnɔn.no/.
Did you know?
- The word nonno comes from the Late Latin word nonnus, which originally referred to a monk or a religious elder.
- The phrase nonno can be used humorously to refer to an old car or a piece of ancient technology that is still functioning.
- If you call someone nonno in a joking way in Italy, you are often teasing them about being old or acting like an old man.
Examples in context
- Nonno, mi riempi di gioia.Nonno, you fill me with joy.
- Sono fortunato ad avere un nonno come te.I'm lucky to have a grandfather like you.
- Nonno, ti voglio bene da impazzire!Grandpa, I love you to bits!
- Nonno, i momenti passati insieme sono i più preziosi.Grandpa, the moments we spend together are the most precious.
- Mio nonno è molto simpatico.My grandfather is very nice.
- Il mio nonno vive in Toscana.My grandfather lives in Tuscany.
- Ho comprato un regalo per mio nonno.I bought a gift for my grandfather.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about their family during lunch.
- MatteoCome sta il tuo nonno?How is your grandfather?
- ChiaraIl mio nonno sta molto bene, grazie.My grandfather is doing very well, thanks.
- MatteoSono felice di sentirlo.I am happy to hear that.
- ChiaraAnche il tuo nonno è qui oggi?Is your grandfather here today too?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nonno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nonno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
