Italian · People & Family

"Mr." in Italian: signor (il signor Rossi)

signor (il signor Rossi)

Say it: see-NYORnoun/siɲˈɲor/

Mr. in Italian is signor (see-NYOR) before a name: signor Rossi or il signor Rossi. Standalone sir is often signore.

Hotel lobby

Il signor Bianchi è già arrivato?
Has Mr. Bianchi already arrived?
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How to pronounce signor (il signor Rossi)

Say it

see-NYOR

/siɲˈɲor/

Signor stresses NYOR: see-NYOR. Soft gn. Signore with final e is see-NYOR-eh.

"Mr." in Italian: quick reference

ItalianEnglish
signor + surnameMr. + surname

Before names: signor Bianchi.

il signor RossiMr. Rossi

With article in speech.

signoresir / gentleman

Calling someone without a surname.

buongiorno, signor…good morning, Mr.…

Greetings.

How to use signor (il signor Rossi) in real life

  1. 1Hotel lobby

    Il signor Bianchi è già arrivato?

    Has Mr. Bianchi already arrived?

    Il signor + surname.

  2. 2Phone transfer

    Cerco il signor Conti, per favore.

    I'm looking for Mr. Conti, please.

    Signor Conti.

  3. 3Mail label

    Il pacco è per signor De Luca.

    The parcel is for Mr. De Luca.

    Signor + surname.

Mistakes English speakers make with signor (il signor Rossi)

Incorrect: Ciao Mr. Rossi.

Correct: Buongiorno, signor Rossi.

Use signor, not English Mr.

Incorrect: Il signore Rossi (awkward article+full form)

Correct: Il signor Rossi.

Before surnames, Italian prefers signor without final e.

Good to know

Titles still matter at desks and clinics: signor + surname sounds respectful. Friends drop it; staff keep it. Signore alone can mean sir when you don't know the name.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Finding a guest at reception

  1. ChatPal

    Ha visto il signor Martini?

    Have you seen Mr. Martini?

  2. You

    Il signor Martini è in sala riunioni.

    Mr. Martini is in the meeting room.

  3. ChatPal

    Grazie—chiamo il signor Martini subito.

    Thanks—I'll call Mr. Martini right away.

  4. You

    Gli dico che aspetti.

    I'll tell him you're waiting.

This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.

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"Mr." in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Mr." in Italian

Before a surname?

Signor Rossi / il signor Rossi.

Sir without a name?

Signore.

Mrs.?

Signora.

Miss?

Signorina (less used with young adults now).

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