signorina
/siɲ.ɲoˈri.na/
The Italian phrase for young lady is signorina.
The term signorina is used to refer to an adolescent or young female. It is the equivalent of the English word Miss and is used as a formal title in social or professional settings.
Meaning: an adolescent or young female (noun)
Which one should you use?
While signorina is the standard term for a young lady, the expression giovane signora is used to formally address a lady who is older or married.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Sicilian dialect, the term picciridda is used to refer to a young lady or a little one, often serving as an informal term of endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of signorina is signorine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /siɲ.ɲoˈri.na/.
Did you know?
- The word signora shares the same root as the English word 'senate', as both stem from the Latin 'senex' meaning 'old' or 'elder'.
- Waitstaff in Italy may use signorina to address a female customer regardless of her actual age as a way of being flirtatious or extra polite.
- In modern professional settings, some Italian women find the title signorina patronizing, as it can imply they are too young or inexperienced.
Examples in context
- Questa signorina mi ama!This young lady loves me!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use signorina in a sentence.Tatoeba #12066268 by carlosalberto, translation #12066235 by carlosalberto
- Buongiorno, signorina. Come posso aiutarla?Good morning, miss. How can I assist you?
- È un piacere conoscerla, giovane signora.It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady.
- La signorina è molto educata.The young lady is very polite.
- Conosco quella signorina da anni.I have known that young lady for years.
Example conversation
Giulia is asking Francesco about a visitor.
- GiuliaChi è quella signorina?Who is that young lady?
- FrancescoÈ la cugina di mio padre.She is my father's cousin.
- GiuliaLa signorina sembra molto simpatica.The young lady seems very nice.
- FrancescoSì, lo penso anch'io.Yes, I think so too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry signorina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries signorina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
