Italian · People & Family
"Last name" in Italian: cognome
il cognome
Last name in Italian is il cognome (koh-NYOH-meh), masculine. Nome is the first name. Qual è il suo cognome? is the polite form question.
Hotel check-in
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How to pronounce cognome
Say it
koh-NYOH-meh
/koɲˈɲo.me/
Cognome stresses NYOH: koh-NYOH-meh. Gn like canyon.
"Last name" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il cognome | the last name / surname Default noun. | Default noun. |
| nome e cognome | first and last name Forms. | Forms. |
| cognome da nubile | maiden name Admin contexts. | Admin contexts. |
| scrivere il cognome | to write the last name Forms and bookings. | Forms and bookings. |
How to use cognome in real life
- 1Hotel check-in
Mi dice il cognome, per favore?
Can you tell me the last name, please?
Il cognome.
- 2Filling a form
Nel riquadro scrivi solo il cognome.
In the box write only the last name.
Solo il cognome.
- 3Introductions
Il mio cognome è Bianchi.
My last name is Bianchi.
Il mio cognome.
Mistakes English speakers make with cognome
Incorrect: Il mio last name è Rossi.
Correct: Il mio cognome è Rossi.
Use cognome, not English last name.
Incorrect: Come si chiama il tuo nome di famiglia?
Correct: Qual è il tuo cognome?
Cognome is the everyday word.
Good to know
Italian forms put cognome before nome more often than English speakers expect. Double surnames appear after marriage rules change—ask politely if unsure.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Booking a museum ticket on the phone
ChatPal
Mi serve il cognome per la prenotazione.
I need the last name for the booking.
You
Il cognome è Conti, C-O-N-T-I.
The last name is Conti, C-O-N-T-I.
ChatPal
Grazie. Il cognome Conti è già in lista.
Thanks. The last name Conti is already on the list.
You
Perfetto, allora siamo a posto.
Perfect, then we're all set.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Last name" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Last name" in Italian
Cognome or nome?
Cognome is last name; nome is first name.
How do I ask someone's last name?
Qual è il tuo / suo cognome?
Gender?
Masculine: il cognome.
On forms?
Often Cognome first, then Nome.
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
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