signore
/siɲˈɲo.re/
The English phrase 'señor' is translated into Italian as signore.
signore is a polite title used to address or refer to a man. It is a respectful way to address a man whose name you do not know. To show an extra level of respect, the form signor can be used when it is followed by a last name.
Which one should you use?
Use the truncated form signor instead of signore when it is immediately followed by a surname, such as signor Rossi.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of signore is signori, used when addressing or referring to a group of men.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /siɲˈɲo.re/.
Did you know?
- The title signore is rooted in the concept of being 'old'. It derives from the Latin word senex, meaning 'old man', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'senile'.
- The term signore was once used to denote a feudal lord or a sovereign ruler of a signoria, which was a specific type of city-state government in Renaissance Italy.
- While signore is the male counterpart, the feminine signora is used not only for married women but also as a general polite address for any adult woman, regardless of marital status.
Examples in context
- Signore, può aiutarmi?Sir, can you help me?
- Signore, desidera qualcosa da bere?Sir, would you like something to drink?
- Buongiorno, signore.Good morning, sir.
- Il signore è molto gentile.The gentleman is very kind.
- Mi scusi, signore, ha una penna?Excuse me, sir, do you have a pen?
Example conversation
Sofia is asking Alessandro for directions on the street.
- SofiaScusi, signore, dov'è la stazione?Excuse me, sir, where is the station?
- AlessandroÈ proprio dietro l'angolo.It is right around the corner.
- SofiaGrazie mille, signore.Thank you very much, sir.
- AlessandroPrego, arrivederci!You're welcome, goodbye!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry signore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries signore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
