Etiquette · Respect

Dottore, Professore, Signora: Italian Titles and How to Use Them

Q: What if I don't know their specific title?

When in doubt, use Signore or Signora with their surname. It's a universally polite option. If they have a higher professional title, they might correct you, or simply appreciate the general respect shown.

Q: Is 'Signorina' still used for unmarried women?

While Signorina technically means 'Miss' and implies an unmarried woman, many women prefer to be addressed as Signora regardless of marital status, similar to 'Ms.' in English. When unsure, Signora is the safer and more modern choice for adult women.

Navigating Italian titles can feel like walking through a formal garden, each gate a subtle nod to respect and relationship.

In Italy, titles like Dottore, Professore, and Signora are used more broadly and with greater formality than their English equivalents. They are essential markers of respect, often accompanying a surname, and signal your understanding of Italian social etiquette. Using them correctly shows you value the relationship and the context.

The short version

Signore / SignoraGeneral respectful address for men/women (always with surname if known).
Dottore / DottoressaFor anyone with a university degree (not just medical doctors).
Professore / ProfessoressaFor teachers at any level, from high school to university.
Ingegnere / ArchitettoCommon professional titles for engineers and architects.

Who is a Dottore or Dottoressa?

It's not just for medical doctors!

This is perhaps the biggest difference from English. In Italy, Dottore (for men) and Dottoressa (for women) is the standard respectful title for anyone who has completed a university degree, even a bachelor's. So, your bank manager, a lawyer, or a journalist might all be addressed as Dottore.

Buongiorno, Dottoressa Rossi.

/bwonˈdʒorno dottoˈressa ˈrossi/

Good morning, Dr. Rossi. (Addressing a female professional)

Posso parlare con il Dottor Bianchi?

/ˈposso parˈlare kon il dotˈtor ˈbjaŋki/

Can I speak with Dr. Bianchi? (Referring to a male professional)

The weight of a degree

In Italy, a university degree (la laurea) carries significant social weight. Addressing someone with their professional title acknowledges their education and status, even in casual professional settings like a shop or post office if they are known to hold a degree.

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What about Professore?

More than just university faculty

Similarly, Professore (for men) and Professoressa (for women) isn't reserved only for university professors. It's commonly used for any teacher, whether they teach at a high school (scuola superiore) or a university. It’s a direct sign of respect for their role as an educator.

Scusi, Professore.

/ˈskuzi profesˈsore/

Excuse me, Professor. (General address for a male teacher)

La Professoressa Martini è in classe?

/la profesˈsoressa marˈtini ɛ in ˈklasse/

Is Professor Martini in class? (Referring to a female teacher)

And Signore, Signora, Signorina?

The general polite address

Signore (Mr.), Signora (Mrs./Ms.), and Signorina (Miss) are the most common general titles of respect. Always use them with the surname if you know it. If you don't know the surname, you can use Signore/Signora on its own, but it's less common than with the surname.

Ciao, Signora! → Buongiorno, Signora. Don't mix informal greetings with formal titles. If you use Signora, use a formal greeting like Buongiorno or Buonasera.
Signore, mi scusi. → Mi scusi, signore. While not strictly wrong, it's more natural to put the title after the address when used without a surname, or use the surname: Mi scusi, Signor Rossi.

A title is a small key that unlocks a smoother conversation.

Do I always need to use a title?

Not always. With friends, family, or people your age in informal settings, you can use first names. However, when addressing strangers, professionals, or elders, a title is a safe and respectful choice, especially when you want to be polite.

What if I don't know their specific title?

When in doubt, use Signore or Signora with their surname. It's a universally polite option. If they have a higher professional title, they might correct you, or simply appreciate the general respect shown.

Is 'Signorina' still used for unmarried women?

While Signorina technically means 'Miss' and implies an unmarried woman, many women prefer to be addressed as Signora regardless of marital status, similar to 'Ms.' in English. When unsure, Signora is the safer and more modern choice for adult women.

Practice it for real

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