Italian · People & Family
"Grandmother" in Italian: nonna
la nonna
Grandmother in Italian is la nonna (lah NOHN-nah). Mia nonna is my grandmother. Nonnina is an affectionate diminutive. Plural is le nonne.
Family introduction
Questa è mia nonna, Rosa.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce nonna
Say it
lah NOHN-nah
/la ˈnɔn.na/
Nonna stresses NOHN: NOHN-nah. Hold the double n.
"Grandmother" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la nonna | grandmother Standard family word. | Standard family word. |
| mia nonna | my grandmother Possessive form. | Possessive form. |
| nonnina | granny (affectionate) Warm diminutive. | Warm diminutive. |
| le nonne | grandmothers Plural. | Plural. |
How to use nonna in real life
- 1Family introduction
Questa è mia nonna, Rosa.
This is my grandmother, Rosa.
Mia nonna for introduction.
- 2Sunday lunch story
La nonna prepara sempre il ragù.
Grandmother always makes the ragù.
La nonna as the family cook archetype.
- 3Phone call home
Devo chiamare la nonna stasera.
I need to call grandmother tonight.
La nonna in plans.
Mistakes English speakers make with nonna
Incorrect: Il nonna arriva domani.
Correct: La nonna arriva domani.
Nonna is feminine: la nonna. Grandfather is il nonno.
Incorrect: Mia grandmother cucina bene.
Correct: Mia nonna cucina bene.
Use nonna, not the English word.
Good to know
La nonna is a cultural icon of Sunday lunch, handwritten recipes, and firm opinions. Adults still say vado dalla nonna without sounding childish. Nonno is grandfather; together i nonni are the grandparents.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Visiting family for Sunday lunch
ChatPal
Tua nonna cucina ancora tutto lei?
Does your grandmother still cook everything herself?
You
Sì, la nonna non vuole aiuto in cucina.
Yes, grandmother doesn't want help in the kitchen.
ChatPal
Portiamo i fiori per la nonna.
Let's bring flowers for grandmother.
You
Buona idea: alla nonna piacciono i girasoli.
Good idea: grandmother likes sunflowers.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Grandmother" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Grandmother" in Italian
How do I say my grandmother?
Mia nonna.
What is grandfather?
Il nonno.
What does nonnina mean?
An affectionate little granny form of nonna.
What is the plural?
Le nonne; grandparents together are i nonni.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
