suora
/ˈswɔ.ra/feminine
The English word 'nun' is translated into Italian as suora. Wiktionary also lists monaca.
Meaning: member of a Christian religious community of women (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| suora | /ˈswɔ.ra/ | feminine |
| monaca | /ˈmɔ.na.ka/ | feminine |
The terms are used to refer to a member of a Christian religious community of women.
Which one should you use?
suora is the most common, everyday term for a nun in Italian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of suora is suore, and the plural form of monaca is monache.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈswɔ.ra/. The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase fare la suora is sometimes used colloquially to describe a woman who is overly strict or prudish about morality.
- The word suora is a direct relative of the English word 'sister'. Both derive from the Latin word soror, meaning 'sister'.
- Italian distinguishes between suore and religiose. The latter is a broader term that includes all consecrated women, including those who are not technically 'nuns' in a cloistered sense.
Examples in context
- Sei davvero una suora?Are you really a nun?This sentence is useful for confirming someone's vocation with suora.Tatoeba #2398534 by Guybrush88, translation #1886325 by CK
- Mary sta studiando per diventare suora.Mary is studying to become a nun.This sentence describes someone's studies to become a suora.Tatoeba #7430200 by Guybrush88, translation #6373675 by Hybrid
- La suora è brava, ma a me piaceva più l'altro.The nun is fine, but I liked the other one more.This sentence compares one suora to another.Tatoeba #3300497 by Guybrush88, translation #4314863 by negativeclock
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are walking past an old convent.
- GiuliaQuella suora è molto gentile.That nun is very kind.
- MatteoSì, la vedo sempre nel quartiere.Yes, I always see her in the neighborhood.
- GiuliaSembra una suora molto dedicata.She seems like a very dedicated nun.
- MatteoHai ragione, è una brava donna.You are right, she is a good woman.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nun” translations and entries suora, monaca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries monaca, suora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
