signore
/siɲˈɲo.re/masculine
The English word "sir" is translated into Italian as signore.
signore is a masculine noun used to address any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown. It is the most common term for "sir" in Italian and is the standard way to address someone politely in all regions.
Meaning: address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown (noun)
Which one should you use?
The feminine counterpart to signore is signora, which corresponds to "madam" or "ma'am".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of signore is signori, meaning "gentlemen". To perform the action of addressing someone using "sir" (the verb "to address (someone) using 'sir'"), you use the phrase dare del Lei.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. It is pronounced /siɲˈɲo.re/.
Did you know?
- In some Italian dialects, the word signore is used to refer specifically to God, often capitalized as Signore.
- While signore means 'sir', the word signorile is used as an adjective to describe a house or a way of living that is 'stately' or 'lordly'.
- Despite its formality, signore can be used ironically between close male friends to mock a person who is acting too dignified or pompous.
Examples in context
- Per che ora, signore?For what time, sir?This is useful for asking what time something is scheduled for using signore.Tatoeba #4961689 by Guybrush88, translation #240199 by Lumi
- Come si chiama, signore?What is your name, sir?This is useful for asking for someone's name using signore.Tatoeba #2707026 by Guybrush88, translation #1493518 by Spamster
- Può andare ora, Signore.You can go now, sir.This is useful for giving someone permission to leave using signore.Tatoeba #6901318 by Guybrush88, translation #241113 by CK
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia is serving Matteo at a restaurant.
- GiuliaCosa desidera ordinare, signore?What would you like to order, sir?
- MatteoVorrei un piatto di pasta, grazie.I would like a plate of pasta, thank you.
- GiuliaE da bere, signore?And to drink, sir?
- MatteoUn bicchiere di acqua naturale.A glass of still water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sir” translations and entries signore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
