professore
/pro.fesˈso.re/
The English phrase 'professor' is translated into Italian as professore.
The term refers to a teacher or a faculty member at a college or university, regardless of their formal rank.
Meaning: teacher or faculty member at a college or university, regardless of formal rank (noun)
Which one should you use?
While professore is used for high school or university faculty, the word maestro is used for primary school teachers or masters of an art or music.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the noun is professoressa. The masculine plural form is professori.
How do you pronounce it?
/pro.fesˈso.re/, with 4 syllables and the stress on the 3rd syllable.
When do people say it?
In a classroom setting, students often address their teacher simply as Professore or Professoressa instead of using their name.
Did you know?
- In Italy, students use professore for their teachers from age 11 through high school, not just in university.
- The word professore is derived from the Latin prŏfessōrem, which originally referred to someone who publicly declared their faith or a skill.
- Although professoressa is common, some female professors in Italy prefer the masculine professore to emphasize the neutrality of the academic role.
Examples in context
- Chi è il tuo professore?Who is your professor?This sentence is useful for asking who a person's professor is.Tatoeba #380192 by Pharamp, translation #6157168 by amoeba
- Lei è una professoressa.She's a professor.This sentence is useful for identifying a female professor.Tatoeba #2482035 by Guybrush88, translation #525150 by darinmex
- Il professore ha sorriso.The professor smiled.This sentence is useful for describing an action taken by a professor.Tatoeba #5393505 by Guybrush88, translation #19018 by CK
- Buon giorno, Professore!Good morning, Professor!
- La Professoressa Rossi è molto preparata.Professor Rossi is very knowledgeable.
- Vorrei chiedere qualcosa al Professore di Storia.I would like to ask something to the History Professor.
- Gentile Docente, Le scrivo per richiedere alcune informazioni.Dear Professor, I am writing to request some information.
- Ciao Marco, Posso darti del prof?Hi Marco, Can I call you "prof"?
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a university hallway.
- AlessandroHai parlato con il professore?Did you speak with the professor?
- GiuliaSì, il professore è molto gentile.Yes, the professor is very kind.
- AlessandroGiulia, sai dove si trova il suo ufficio?Giulia, do you know where his office is?
- GiuliaSì, è proprio in fondo al corridoio.Yes, it is right at the end of the hallway.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry professore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries professore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
