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B1 adjective 7 min de lecture

nobile

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces nobile en 30 secondes

Explication nobile in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'nobile' as a word to describe someone very important from history, like a king or a prince. You might see it in simple stories about castles. It is an adjective, which means it describes a person or a thing. Remember that it doesn't change for boys or girls in the singular: 'un uomo nobile' (a noble man) and 'una donna nobile' (a noble woman). It's a 'fancy' word for 'good' or 'important' that you might hear when talking about old Italian families. You don't need to use it every day, but it's good to recognize it when you see pictures of beautiful old Italian buildings called 'palazzi nobili'.

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For A2 learners, 'nobile' starts to become more useful for describing character. Beyond just kings and queens, you can use it to describe a very good action. For example, if a friend helps you with something difficult without asking for anything in return, you could say it was a 'nobile gesto' (a noble gesture). In Italian, most adjectives change to 'o' or 'a' at the end, but 'nobile' is different—it ends in 'e'. This means you only have to remember two forms: 'nobile' for one person/thing, and 'nobili' for more than one. You might also see it on wine bottles in Italy, like 'Vino Nobile', which just means it's a very high-quality wine from a specific area.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between the social meaning and the moral meaning of 'nobile'. You will encounter this word in literature, history lessons, and news reports. You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts like 'una nobile causa' (a noble cause) or 'un nobile intento' (a noble intent). It's also important to start recognizing it in scientific contexts, such as 'metalli nobili' (noble metals like gold). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the noun form, 'i nobili', referring to the aristocracy. You are moving from just knowing the word to using it to express admiration for someone's integrity or the quality of an object.

At B2, you are expected to use 'nobile' with more precision and in more formal contexts. You should understand expressions like 'nobiltà d'animo' (nobility of soul) and be able to discuss the historical role of the 'nobiltà' in Italian city-states. You will also notice that the placement of the adjective can change the emphasis: 'un nobile palazzo' sounds more poetic and grand than 'un palazzo nobile'. You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'aristocratico' or 'signorile' and know that 'nobile' is often the most positive choice. In writing, you might use it to elevate your style when describing humanitarian efforts or high-level artistic achievements.

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By C1, 'nobile' should be a versatile tool in your vocabulary. you should understand its use in highly specialized fields, such as chemistry ('gas nobili') or architecture ('piano nobile'). You should be able to appreciate the word's use in classical Italian literature, from Dante to Manzoni, where 'nobiltà' is a central theme. You should also be sensitive to the register; using 'nobile' can add a touch of formality or irony depending on the context. For instance, calling a very simple, humble act 'nobile' can be a powerful way to show deep respect. You should also be able to use the adverbial form 'nobilmente' (nobly) to describe how someone speaks or acts under pressure.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'nobile' is profound and culturally grounded. You recognize the subtle differences between 'nobile', 'patrizio', and 'aristocratico' in a historical-legal sense. You can engage in complex debates about whether 'nobiltà' is an inherent trait or something earned through actions, a common trope in Italian intellectual history. You are comfortable using the word in philosophical, scientific, and poetic registers without hesitation. You also understand the cultural weight of the word in Italy, where the legacy of the old nobility still influences social structures, real estate, and the 'made in Italy' brand of luxury and excellence.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

nobile en 30 secondes

Refers to social rank (aristocracy) or moral superiority (integrity).
Adjective ends in -e for singular (masculine/feminine) and -i for plural.
Commonly used to describe 'noble gestures', 'noble causes', and 'noble metals'.
Often found in Italian history, literature, and wine terminology.

The Italian word nobile is a multifaceted adjective and noun that bridges the gap between historical social hierarchies and modern ethical standards. At its most literal level, it refers to the aristocracy—individuals belonging to a class with hereditary titles and privileges. However, its usage in contemporary Italian is far more frequent in a figurative sense, describing character, intentions, and even chemical properties.

Social and Historical Context: In historical discussions, nobile identifies the 'nobility'. Italy's history is rich with powerful families like the Medici, the Borgia, and the Sforza. When you visit an Italian city and see a 'Palazzo Nobile', you are looking at a residence built for the elite. In this context, it implies wealth, lineage, and social dominance. Although Italy is now a republic and titles are no longer legally recognized, the cultural weight of 'nobility' remains in literature and architecture.
Moral and Ethical Elevation: This is perhaps the most common way you will encounter the word today. A gesto nobile is a noble gesture—one that is selfless, generous, or courageous. If someone defends a person who cannot defend themselves, Italians would describe that as a 'nobile azione'. It suggests a level of moral superiority or 'nobility of spirit' (nobiltà d'animo) that transcends social class. It is the opposite of being 'meschino' (mean or petty).
Scientific and Material Excellence: In science, nobile describes elements that are resistant to chemical reactions. You will hear about gas nobili (noble gases like neon or argon) and metalli nobili (noble metals like gold and platinum). In these cases, the word signifies a sense of purity and 'aloofness' from common reactions, much like a historical aristocrat might have stayed apart from the common crowds.

"Dante Alighieri sosteneva che la vera nobiltà non risiede nel sangue, ma nella virtù dell'individuo."
— A common philosophical reflection in Italian literature.

When using the word, remember that nobile ends in '-e', meaning it is the same form for both masculine and feminine singular nouns (un uomo nobile, una donna nobile). In the plural, it changes to nobili (uomini nobili, donne nobili). This versatility makes it an essential adjective for any intermediate learner looking to describe both people and abstract concepts with precision.

Using nobile correctly involves understanding its placement and the nouns it typically modifies. In Italian, adjectives usually follow the noun, but nobile can sometimes precede the noun to add a poetic or emphatic tone.

Describing People and Lineage: When referring to social status, the adjective often follows the noun: Lui appartiene a una famiglia nobile (He belongs to a noble family). If used as a noun, it simply describes the person: Il nobile viveva in un grande castello (The nobleman lived in a large castle).
Describing Actions and Intentions: This is the most frequent usage for B1 learners. È stato un nobile gesto da parte tua (It was a noble gesture on your part). Here, 'nobile' highlights the quality of the action. Notice how 'nobile' can come before 'gesto' to emphasize the quality of the act itself rather than just identifying the act.

"Aiutare i meno fortunati è lo scopo più nobile che un essere umano possa avere."

In technical contexts, the word is almost always placed after the noun: oro e argento sono metalli nobili. This follows the standard Italian rule for scientific or classifying adjectives. When you want to describe a wine, you might say un vino nobile, suggesting it is of superior quality and aged with care, often specifically referring to the 'Vino Nobile di Montepulciano'.

You might think nobile is a word reserved for dusty history books, but it is surprisingly active in modern Italian life. From the grocery store to the laboratory, here is where you will encounter it.

In the Enoteca (Wine Shop): Italy is famous for its 'Vino Nobile di Montepulciano'. You will see this on menus and labels across the country. In this context, it isn't just a descriptor; it's a protected designation of origin (DOCG). Hearing a sommelier talk about 'vitigni nobili' (noble grape varieties) is common when discussing high-quality wines like Nebbiolo or Sangiovese.
In News and Journalism: Journalists often use 'nobile' to describe political or social efforts. A 'nobile iniziativa' is a common phrase used to praise a charity event or a humanitarian mission. Conversely, if a politician is acting for selfish reasons, a critic might say their motives are 'tutt'altro che nobili' (anything but noble).
In Education and Art: In school, students study the 'nobiltà' of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In art history, 'il piano nobile' refers to the main floor of a Renaissance palace, usually the first floor above the ground level, where the family lived and entertained guests. If you take a guided tour of a museum in Florence or Venice, you will definitely hear this term.

"Il salone si trova al piano nobile del palazzo, dove gli affreschi sono meglio conservati."

While nobile is a cognate of the English 'noble', there are specific pitfalls that English speakers often fall into when using it in Italian.

Gender Agreement Confusion: Many learners assume that because 'nobile' ends in 'e', it must be masculine, or they try to create a feminine version like 'nobila'. This is incorrect. Nobile is part of the category of adjectives that end in '-e' in the singular, which serves both masculine and feminine. Correct: Una donna nobile. Incorrect: Una donna nobila.
Confusing Nobile with Notabile: 'Notabile' means 'notable' or 'significant'. While a 'nobile' person might be 'notabile', the two are not interchangeable. 'Nobile' implies rank or virtue, while 'notabile' implies visibility or importance. Don't say 'un nobile risultato' if you just mean a 'notable result'—use 'notevole' or 'notabile' instead.

"Sbagliato: I cavallieri erano nobilii."
"Corretto: I cavalieri erano nobili."

Finally, avoid overusing 'nobile' for things that are simply 'good'. If a pizza is good, it's 'buona', not 'nobile'. Reserve 'nobile' for things that have an elevated, refined, or morally superior quality. Using it for mundane objects can sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.

To truly master Italian, you need to know when to use nobile and when to choose a more specific synonym. Here is a breakdown of its closest relatives.

Aristocratico vs. Nobile: Aristocratico focuses strictly on social class and lineage. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or 'snobbish' connotation that nobile lacks. Nobile is broader and more positive, encompassing moral virtue. You would say 'una famiglia aristocratica' but 'un animo nobile'.
Signorile vs. Nobile: Signorile is often used to describe places or manners that are elegant and refined. A 'quartiere signorile' is an upscale neighborhood. While 'nobile' suggests birthright, 'signorile' suggests a high standard of living and distinguished behavior.
Magnanimo vs. Nobile: When talking about character, magnanimo (magnanimous) is a great alternative. It specifically refers to someone who is generous and forgiving. While every 'magnanimo' act is 'nobile', not every 'nobile' act is necessarily 'magnanimo' (it might just be brave or honorable).

Quick Comparison Table

Word	Best for...
Nobile	Virtue, rank, chemicals, high quality
Aristocratico	Social class, titles, lineage
Signorile	Elegance, upscale housing, manners
Illustre	Famous people, distinguished careers

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Because 'nobile' comes from the root for 'to know', a noble person was literally someone 'worth knowing' or someone whose name everyone knew.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈnɔː.bi.le/

US /ˈnoʊ.bi.leɪ/

The stress is on the first syllable: NO-bi-le.

Rime avec

immobile ignobile debole flebile labile stabile abile mobile

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like the English 'noble' (one or two syllables). In Italian, it must have three distinct syllables: no-bi-le.
Adding a 'y' sound at the end like 'nobily'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'e' clearly.
Stressing the second syllable (no-BI-le is wrong).
Mispronouncing the 'i' as an 'ai' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize as it's a cognate of 'noble'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires attention to the -e/-i pluralization.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires three syllables.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly audible in most contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

re famiglia buono importante vecchio

Apprends ensuite

aristocratico virtù animo gesto decadenza

Avancé

magnanimo patrizio illustre eccelso signorile

Grammaire à connaître

Adjectives ending in -e change to -i in the plural for both genders.

Un uomo nobile -> Due uomini nobili; Una donna nobile -> Due donne nobili.

Adjective placement for emphasis.

Un nobile gesto (emphasizes the quality) vs Un gesto nobile (more descriptive).

Using adjectives as nouns.

Il nobile (The nobleman) vs L'uomo nobile (The noble man).

The suffix -mente to create adverbs.

Nobile -> Nobilmente (Nobly).

Abstract nouns ending in -tà.

Nobile -> Nobiltà (Nobility).

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Exemples par niveau

Il re era un uomo nobile.

The king was a noble man.

Nobile is singular and works for both masculine and feminine.

Vivono in un palazzo nobile.

They live in a noble palace.

The adjective follows the noun here.

Lei ha un cuore nobile.

She has a noble heart.

Cuore (heart) is masculine, but nobile stays the same.

Il cavaliere è molto nobile.

The knight is very noble.

Used as a descriptive adjective after the verb 'essere'.

I nobili mangiano insieme.

The nobles eat together.

Here 'nobili' is used as a plural noun.

È una famiglia nobile.

It is a noble family.

Famiglia is feminine, but nobile does not change.

L'oro è un metallo nobile.

Gold is a noble metal.

Metallo is masculine singular.

Il cane ha un portamento nobile.

The dog has a noble bearing.

Portamento means how one carries oneself.

Grazie per il tuo nobile gesto.

Thank you for your noble gesture.

Nobile comes before the noun for emphasis.

Molte città italiane hanno quartieri nobili.

Many Italian cities have noble districts.

Nobili is the plural form for 'quartieri' (masculine plural).

Il nonno era di origini nobili.

The grandfather was of noble origins.

Origini (origins) is feminine plural, so we use 'nobili'.

Non è nobile mentire agli amici.

It is not noble to lie to friends.

Used with an infinitive verb (mentire).

Questa è una causa nobile.

This is a noble cause.

Causa is feminine singular.

I suoi modi sono sempre nobili.

His manners are always noble.

Modi (manners) is masculine plural.

Hai fatto una scelta nobile.

You made a noble choice.

Scelta (choice) is feminine singular.

L'aquila è considerata un uccello nobile.

The eagle is considered a noble bird.

Uccello is masculine singular.

Il Vino Nobile di Montepulciano è famoso nel mondo.

The Noble Wine of Montepulciano is famous in the world.

Proper name of a specific wine.

Dante descrive la nobiltà d'animo nelle sue opere.

Dante describes nobility of spirit in his works.

Nobiltà is the noun form (nobility).

È un nobile intento, ma difficile da realizzare.

It's a noble intent, but difficult to realize.

Intento is a more formal word for 'intention'.

I gas nobili non reagiscono facilmente.

Noble gases do not react easily.

Scientific term for inert gases.

Ha rinunciato alla carriera per un fine più nobile.

He gave up his career for a more noble end.

Fine (end/goal) is masculine here.

La storia di questa famiglia è molto nobile.

The history of this family is very noble.

Describing the history (storia) as noble.

Il marmo è un materiale nobile usato in scultura.

Marble is a noble material used in sculpture.

Nobile implies high quality and prestige here.

Si è comportato in modo nobile nonostante l'offesa.

He behaved in a noble way despite the insult.

Modo nobile (noble way) is a common adverbial phrase.

La nobiltà decaduta cercava di mantenere le apparenze.

The fallen nobility tried to maintain appearances.

Nobiltà decaduta refers to aristocrats who lost their wealth.

L'altruismo è la forma più nobile di egoismo, dicono alcuni.

Altruism is the most noble form of selfishness, some say.

Superlative form: 'la più nobile'.

Hanno restaurato il piano nobile della villa medicea.

They restored the main floor (noble floor) of the Medici villa.

Piano nobile is a technical architectural term.

Il platino è tra i metalli più nobili e preziosi.

Platinum is among the most noble and precious metals.

Scientific classification.

La sua è una nobile missione per la pace.

Hers is a noble mission for peace.

Missione is feminine.

Non c'è nulla di nobile nell'essere superiori agli altri.

There is nothing noble in being superior to others.

Negative construction: 'nulla di nobile'.

I nobili ideali della rivoluzione furono presto traditi.

The noble ideals of the revolution were soon betrayed.

Ideali (ideals) is masculine plural.

Quell'edificio ha una facciata nobile e austera.

That building has a noble and austere facade.

Describing architectural style.

La vera nobiltà non si eredita, si conquista con le azioni.

True nobility is not inherited, it is conquered with actions.

Abstract philosophical statement.

Il suo discorso è stato nobilitato da citazioni dotte.

His speech was ennobled by learned quotes.

Nobilitato is the past participle of 'nobilitare' (to ennoble).

Un vino così nobile richiede un invecchiamento prolungato.

Such a noble wine requires prolonged aging.

Using 'così' (so) to emphasize the quality.

Il patriziato veneziano era una classe nobile molto chiusa.

The Venetian patriciate was a very closed noble class.

Patriziato is a specific term for city-based nobility.

Egli agì nobilmente, perdonando chi lo aveva offeso.

He acted nobly, forgiving those who had offended him.

Nobilmente is the adverb form.

La ricerca della verità è il più nobile degli esercizi intellettuali.

The search for truth is the most noble of intellectual exercises.

Intellectual register.

Nonostante la povertà, manteneva una dignità nobile.

Despite poverty, he maintained a noble dignity.

Contrast between material status and character.

L'opera riflette i sentimenti nobili dell'autore.

The work reflects the noble sentiments of the author.

Sentimenti (feelings/sentiments) is masculine plural.

Si percepisce un'aura nobile in ogni sua parola.

A noble aura is perceived in his every word.

Aura is feminine.

La decadenza della nobiltà terriera segnò la fine di un'epoca.

The decline of the landed nobility marked the end of an era.

Nobiltà terriera refers specifically to land-owning nobles.

È un tentativo nobile, sebbene forse velleitario.

It is a noble attempt, although perhaps unrealistic.

Velleitario is a high-level word for 'wishful thinking'.

Il concetto di 'dolce stil novo' ridefinì cosa significasse essere nobile.

The concept of 'dolce stil novo' redefined what it meant to be noble.

Historical literary reference.

La nobiltà del marmo conferisce solennità all'ambiente.

The nobility of the marble gives solemnity to the environment.

Metaphorical use for material quality.

Egli incarna l'ideale del nobile d'altri tempi.

He embodies the ideal of the nobleman of old times.

D'altri tempi is a common idiom (of other times).

Il suo è un nobile esempio di dedizione al bene comune.

His is a noble example of dedication to the common good.

Formal praise.

La lingua italiana ha origini nobili nel volgare illustre.

The Italian language has noble origins in the illustrious vernacular.

Linguistic history reference.

Collocations courantes

gesto nobile

famiglia nobile

metallo nobile

gas nobile

causa nobile

animo nobile

piano nobile

vino nobile

nobile intento

origini nobili

Phrases Courantes

Nobiltà d'animo

— Nobility of spirit. Refers to having a great character and high moral standards.

La sua nobiltà d'animo è evidente a tutti.

Sangue blu

— Blue blood. An idiom referring to someone of noble birth.

Non serve avere il sangue blu per essere gentili.

Nobiltà obbliga

— Noblesse oblige. The idea that with wealth and power comes the responsibility to be generous.

Dovrebbe aiutare, d'altronde nobiltà obbliga.

Titolo nobiliare

— A noble title (like Duke or Count).

Ha ereditato un antico titolo nobiliare.

Nobile decaduto

— A fallen noble. Someone who has the title but no longer has the money.

Il protagonista del romanzo è un nobile decaduto.

Farsi nobile

— To become noble, often through marriage or deed.

Cerca di farsi nobile frequentando l'alta società.

Gesto di nobile cuore

— An act from a noble heart. Very high praise for kindness.

Un gesto di nobile cuore che non dimenticherò.

Ceto nobile

— The noble class or social stratum.

Apparteneva al ceto nobile della città.

Nobile arte

— The noble art. Often used to refer to boxing, but can be any high art.

La scherma è chiamata la nobile arte.

Vino Nobile

— Specifically referring to the red wine from Montepulciano.

Ordiniamo una bottiglia di Vino Nobile?

Souvent confondu avec

nobile vs notabile

Means 'notable' or 'significant'. Don't confuse it with 'noble'.

nobile vs mobile

Means 'furniture' or 'movable'. Sounds similar but completely different.

nobile vs ignobile

The opposite. Means 'vile' or 'shameful'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Avere il sangue blu"

— To be of noble descent or to act as if one is superior.

Si comporta come se avesse il sangue blu.

informal

"Nobiltà di spada"

— Nobility of the sword. Historically, those who earned nobility through military service.

La sua famiglia apparteneva alla nobiltà di spada.

historical

"Nobiltà di toga"

— Nobility of the robe. Historically, those who earned nobility through administrative or judicial service.

In Francia esisteva la nobiltà di toga.

historical

"Non è tutto oro quel che luccica, ma il nobile resta tale"

— A variation on 'not all that glitters is gold', implying that true nobility is permanent.

Non preoccuparti dei soldi; il nobile resta tale anche in povertà.

poetic

"Fare la figura del nobile"

— To make a great, dignified impression.

Al galà ha fatto proprio la figura del nobile.

neutral

"Anima nobile"

— A noble soul. Someone with exceptional moral qualities.

È un'anima nobile che pensa sempre agli altri.

neutral

"Trattare da nobile"

— To treat someone with great respect or as if they were royalty.

In quell'hotel mi hanno trattato da nobile.

neutral

"Povero ma nobile"

— Poor but noble. A cliché in literature describing a dignified but impoverished character.

Il nonno era un uomo povero ma nobile.

literary

"Nobile come un re"

— Noble as a king. A simile for extreme dignity or importance.

Si è alzato in piedi, nobile come un re.

neutral

"L'ozio è il padre dei vizi, ma è nobile"

— A humorous take on 'idleness is the father of vice', suggesting that leisure was once a noble privilege.

Oggi non faccio nulla; l'ozio è nobile!

humorous

Facile à confondre

nobile vs Aristocratico

Both refer to high class.

Aristocratico is strictly about class; Nobile can also be about character.

Una famiglia aristocratica vs Un uomo nobile.

nobile vs Notevole

Sounds like 'noble' in English.

Notevole means 'remarkable' or 'considerable'.

Un notevole successo (A remarkable success).

nobile vs Signorile

Both mean 'elegant' or 'high-class'.

Signorile is for lifestyle/housing; Nobile is for rank/virtue.

Un appartamento signorile.

nobile vs Patrizio

Both mean noble.

Patrizio is specific to the ancient Roman or Venetian elite.

Un patrizio veneziano.

nobile vs Illustre

Both are formal praise.

Illustre focus on being famous and distinguished.

Un illustre scienziato.

Structures de phrases

Lui/Lei è nobile.

Il principe è nobile.

È un [noun] nobile.

È un gesto nobile.

Avere un/una [noun] nobile.

Lui ha una famiglia nobile.

Lottare per [noun] nobile.

Lottano per una causa nobile.

La più nobile delle [noun plural].

L'amicizia è la più nobile delle virtù.

Agire nobilmente in [situation].

Ha agito nobilmente in un momento critico.

Il concetto di [noun] nobile.

Il concetto di metallo nobile è affascinante.

[Noun] di nobile lignaggio.

Un cavallo di nobile lignaggio.

Famille de mots

Noms

nobiltà

nobiluomo

nobildonna

nobilitazione

Verbes

nobilitare

nobilitarsi

Adjectifs

nobiliare

nobilitato

ignobile

Apparenté

aristocrazia

patrizio

signore

cavaliere

titolo

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in literature, history, and formal character descriptions.

Erreurs courantes

Una donna nobila → Una donna nobile
Adjectives ending in -e do not change for gender in the singular.
I nobile uomini → I nobili uomini
The adjective must agree in number with the plural noun.
Using 'nobile' for 'notable' → Notevole / Notabile
'Nobile' implies rank or virtue; 'notevole' means remarkable.
Pronouncing it like 'noble' in English → No-bi-le (3 syllables)
Italian is a phonetic language; every vowel must be pronounced.
L'aria è nobile → Un gas nobile
In science, 'nobile' refers to specific gases, not the air in general.

Astuces

Plural agreement

Always remember to change -e to -i for plural nouns. 'Cause nobili', not 'cause nobile'.

Use with 'gesto'

One of the most natural ways to use this word is with 'gesto' (gesture). 'Un nobile gesto' is a great phrase to know.

History lessons

If you read about the Italian Renaissance, you will see this word constantly. It's key for history buffs.

Chemical elements

In a science context, 'nobile' means 'inert' or 'non-reactive'. Useful for students!

Three syllables

Don't rush it. It's NO-BI-LE. Pronouncing the 'i' and 'e' separately is important.

Adjective placement

Put it before the noun ('un nobile intento') to sound more poetic or formal.

Root meaning

Remember it comes from 'knowing'. A noble person was someone everyone knew.

Ordering wine

If you see 'Nobile' on a wine list, expect a high-quality Tuscan red.

Floor numbering

In old palaces, the 'piano nobile' is where the best rooms are. Usually one flight up.

Learn the opposite

Learn 'ignobile' at the same time. It's the perfect word for a 'shameful' act.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'No-Bill'. A noble person is so important they don't get a bill (even if this isn't true!). Or think of 'Noble' in English—they are almost identical.

Association visuelle

Imagine a knight giving his only piece of bread to a poor child. That is a 'nobile gesto'. Or imagine a shiny gold bar, a 'metallo nobile'.

Word Web

Re Cuore Oro Antico Gesto Famiglia Palazzo Virtù

Défi

Try to use 'nobile' three times today: once to describe a person's character, once for a historical building, and once for a scientific fact.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'nobilis', which originally meant 'well-known' or 'noteworthy'. It is derived from the root 'gnoscere' (to know).

Sens originel : A person who is 'known' for their family or their deeds.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Italian.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'aristocratico' as it can sound snobbish; 'nobile' is generally safer and more positive.

English speakers use 'noble' often in historical fantasy (Game of Thrones style), but in Italian, it's very common in serious ethical discussions or when praising someone's integrity.

Dante's 'Convivio' (discussing the nature of nobility). Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (famous wine). Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) - a famous novel about the decline of Sicilian nobility.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Historical Discussion

La nobiltà italiana
Un titolo nobiliare
Il castello del nobile
Discendenza nobile

Praising Character

Hai un animo nobile
Un nobile esempio
Agire nobilmente
Un nobile sacrificio

Science

Gas nobili
Metalli nobili
Proprietà nobili
Elemento nobile

Architecture and Art

Il piano nobile
Facciata nobile
Materiali nobili
Stile nobile

Food and Wine

Vino Nobile
Vitigno nobile
Sapore nobile
Tradizione nobile

Amorces de conversation

"Pensi che esistano ancora persone nobili oggi?"

"Qual è stato il gesto più nobile che hai mai visto?"

"Ti piacerebbe vivere nel piano nobile di un palazzo antico?"

"Qual è la differenza tra essere ricchi ed essere nobili?"

"Conosci il Vino Nobile di Montepulciano?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descrivi una persona che secondo te ha un animo nobile e spiega perché.

Se fossi un nobile del Rinascimento, come passeresti la tua giornata?

Rifletti su un 'nobile gesto' che hai fatto o vorresti fare.

Pensi che la nobiltà d'animo sia più importante del successo economico?

Descrivi un edificio storico italiano che ti è sembrato particolarmente nobile.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'nobile' is an adjective ending in -e, so it stays the same for both masculine and feminine singular. Example: 'un uomo nobile' and 'una donna nobile'.

The plural is 'nobili' for both masculine and feminine nouns. Example: 'uomini nobili' and 'donne nobili'.

Yes, it can mean 'a nobleman' or 'a noblewoman'. Example: 'Il nobile vive nel castello'.

No, 'Vino Nobile di Montepulciano' is a specific, protected type of red wine from Tuscany.

It means 'nobility of spirit' and refers to someone with very high moral standards and kindness.

Mostly, yes. They both cover social rank and moral character. However, Italian uses it more in science (gas nobili) and architecture (piano nobile).

The adverb is 'nobilmente'. Example: 'Si è comportato nobilmente'.

It refers to the principal floor of a large house or palace, usually the first floor above the ground.

Yes, in Italian, gold is a 'metallo nobile' because it doesn't corrode easily.

No, that would sound strange or sarcastic. Use 'buona' or 'ottima' for food unless it's a very specific, high-quality product like wine.

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