signora
/siɲˈɲo.ra/
signora is the Italian way to say lady or Mrs.
signora is a generic term used to address a married woman or a woman in a higher social position. In formal settings, you can use signora followed by the woman's surname or combine it with a specific professional or social title to address her formally.
Which one should you use?
While signora is the appropriate term for married or older women, signorina is used to refer to young or unmarried women (miss).
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine counterpart to signora is signore, which means sir or mister.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /siɲˈɲo.ra/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In modern Italian etiquette, calling a young woman signora can actually be seen as a subtle insult, as it implies she looks old or is already married.
- The word signora is derived from the Medieval Latin word seniōra, which was the feminine form of the word for 'lord'.
- Unlike 'Mrs.' in English, which usually requires a surname to sound natural, signora is commonly used as a standalone noun to address a stranger.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, signora Rossi.Good morning, Mrs. Rossi.
- La signora Bianchi è qui.Mrs. Bianchi is here.
- Buongiorno, signora Dottoressa Martini.Good morning, Dr. Martini.
- Buongiorno, signora.Good morning, madam.
- Mi scusi, signora, può aiutarmi?Excuse me, madam, can you help me?
- La signora Rossi è molto gentile.Mrs. Rossi is very kind.
Example conversation
Matteo is asking a woman for directions in a city.
- MatteoMi scusi, signora, dov'è il museo?Excuse me, madam, where is the museum?
- ChiaraÈ proprio dietro l'angolo, Matteo.It is right around the corner, Matteo.
- MatteoGrazie mille, signora!Thank you very much, madam!
- ChiaraDi nulla, buona giornata!You're welcome, have a nice day!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry signora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries signora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
