Signore e signori

It. "signore" corresponds to Sir (in vocatives), Mr, and (gentle)man. Before names it is often shortened to Sig. in writing. Examples:

"Per favore, signore, mi sa dire che ore sono?" ( Please Sir, could you tell me the time?)

"Il Sig. Donadio abita al pianterreno" ( Mr Donadio lives on the ground floor)

"Mamma, ci sono due signori alla porta" ( Mummy, there are two gentlemen at the door)

The f. form "signora" corresponds to Madam (in vocatives), Mrs/Ms, and lady/woman. Before names it is often shortened to Sig.ra in writing. Examples:

"Scusi, signora, è lei la Sig.ra Mariella Bianchi?" ( Excuse me, Madam, are you Mrs Mariella Bianchi?)

"Quella signora con l'abito azzurro fa l'insegnante." ( That lady in a blue dress is a teacher).

"Signorina" is a controversial word (just like Miss...). Now many unmarried ladies prefer to be called "signora" rather than "signorina" and the abbreviation "Sig.na" is often replaced with "Sig.a" that can be read as either "signora" or "signorina".

"Signore e signori" is the usual opening in public speaking ( Ladies and gentlemen)

"Signore" used to denote the sovereign of a Signoria, a sort of dukedom of the 14th and 15th centuries: "Lorenzo de' Medici fu un grande Signore di Firenze" ( Lorenzo of the Medicis family was a great Signore of Florence)

"Il Signore" means The Lord, that is, God.