nobile

noble

adjective NOH-bee-leh Less Common

Origin: From Latin nobilis ('well-known, distinguished').

Also means

noble person

Usage Note

Nobile can be used as an adjective ('noble birth', 'noble gesture') or as a noun (un nobile / una nobile = 'a nobleman/noblewoman'). It is invariable for gender as an adjective — the plural is nobili. Do not confuse with nubile ('unmarried woman').

Examples

"È una famiglia nobile da secoli."

Natural Translation

It is a noble family for centuries.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

You're Welcome in Italian: 8 Ways Beyond Prego

You're welcome in Italian is more than prego: say figurati to friends, si figuri to strangers, di niente, non c'è di che, or grazie a te. Pick the right one.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Question Words: Chi, Cosa, Dove, Quando & More

Master Italian question words: chi, cosa, dove, quando, perché, come, quanto and quale. A usage-first guide that finally sorts che vs cosa vs quale.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Dialects vs Standard Italian: A Guide

Standard Italian works everywhere, so relax: this three-layer guide to Italian dialects vs standard Italian shows what to ignore and what to notice.

June 9, 2026 6 min read