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King in Italian & more: 127 royal words to be your crowning glory

If you’re planning to become royalty one day, you'll need to know everything about their lingo. And hey, we all know that can happen… Think of Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.

There's quite a lot to learn, actually. We’re here to help! We've gathered all the titles, words, verbs, phrases, sayings, and expressions you need to know. In this Italian lesson today, you’ll learn how to say:

  • king in Italian;
  • queen in Italian;
  • prince in Italian;
  • princess in Italian;
  • royal in Italian;
  • royalty in Italian;
  • monarchy in Italian.

These are terms that you’ll often come across not only in tabloid magazines and TV shows, but also in newspapers, newscasts, novels, and history books. Royal terms like queen, princess, and little prince are also frequently used as terms of endearment, and sweet nicknames for romantic partners, children, and loved ones.

Ready to have new Italian words at your command? Grab your tiara, have a look at the following tables, and take note. Before you know it, you’ll be using royal terms in Italian like a true local.

Let’s get started!

Woman wearing a flower crown in Italian.

How do you say royals in Italian

The general word for royals is “i reali” in Italian. The singular form is “reale,” which is rarely used. Royal is defined as a member of a kingdom or monarchy. The Italian word for monarchy is “monarchia,” singular, and “monarchie,” plural.

An example of the word royal used as an adjective is the phrase "royal family" which means the family of kings, queens, princes, and princesses. The Italian word for royal family and royalty is “famiglia reale,” singular, and “famiglie reali,” plural.

Read through the list, and pronounce every word out loud to practice your pronunciation.

English Italian IPA Pronunciation
Royalty Reali [reˈalɪ] reh-ah-leeh
Royal family, royalty Famiglia reale [famˈiʎa reˈale] pha-meeh-wlhee-ah reh-ah-leh
Nobility Nobilità [nobilitˈa] noh-beehl-tah
Noble Nobile [nˈɔbile] noh-beeh-leh
Aristocracy Aristocrazia [aristokrat͡sˈia] ah-reeh-stoh-krah-tseeh-ah
Aristocrat Aristocratico, aristocratica [aristokrˈatiko]
[aristokrˈatika]
ah-reeh-stoh-krah-teeh-koh
ah-reeh-stoh-krah-teeh-kah
Blue blood Sangue blu [sˈaŋɡwe blˈu] sahn-gooh-eh blooh
Monarchy Monarchia [monarkˈia] moh-nahr-keeh-ah
Absolute monarchy Monarchia assoluta [monarkˈia as͡solˈuta] moh-nahr-keeh-ah
ah-soh-looh-tah
Constitutional monarchy Monarchia costituzionale [monarkˈia kostitʊt͡sionˈale] moh-nahr-keeh-ah
koh-steeh-tooh-tseeh-oh-nah-leh
Monarch Monarca, regnante [monˈarka] [reɲˈante] moh-nahr-kah
rehnyahn-teh
Sovereign Sovrano, sovrana [sovrˈano]
[sovrˈana]
soh-vrah-noh
soh-vrah-nah

How to say queen in Italian

Queen is the title given to a female reigning monarch. The word for queen in Italian is “regina.” The plural form is “regine.” As you can see, there’s a little “e” at the end of the word “regine.” Be sure to pronounce it clearly.

English Italian IPA Pronunciation
Queen Regina [red͡ʒˈina] reh-jeeh-nah
Queens Regine [red͡ʒˈine] reh-jeeh-neh
Your Royal Highness Sua Altezza Reale [sˈua altˈet͡sːa reˈale] sooh-ah ahl-the-tsah reh-ah-leh
Little queen Reginetta [red͡ʒinˈetːa] reh-jeeh-neht-tah
Little queens Reginette [red͡ʒinˈetːe] reh-jeeh-neht-teh

Other terms related to the word queen in Italian

The word “regina” also refers to the most powerful chess piece on the board, as well as the queen in a deck of cards. Many other terms, phrases, sayings, and expressions are related to the word queen in Italian, which is also used as a romantic nickname for girlfriends, wives, and romantic partners to mean that they are beautiful and special.

Check out the table below for a list of Italian phrases, words and expressions, with notes about pronunciation and context.

English ItalianIPAPronunciationContext or meaning
God save the queen!Dio salvi la regina![dˈio sˈalvɪ lˈa red͡ʒˈina]deeh-oh sahl-veeh lah reh-jeeh-nahAn expression of patriotism.
Queen regentRegina reggente[red͡ʒˈina red͡ʒːˈɛnte]reh-jeeh-nah reh-jehn-tehA queen reigning in behalf of another person.
Queen regnantRegina regnante[red͡ʒˈina reɲˈante]reh-jeeh-nah rehnyahn-tehA female monarch, who reigns in her own right.
Queen MotherRegina madre[red͡ʒˈina mˈadre]reh-jeeh-nah mah-drehMother of a reigning monarch.
Queen consortRegina consorte[red͡ʒˈina konsˈɔrte]reh-jeeh-nah kohn-sohr-tehThe wife of a reigning king.
Queen's CounselAvvocato della corona[avvokˈato dˈella korˈona]ah-voh-kah-toh dehl-lah koh-roh-nahHigh-ranking barrister.
Beauty queenReginetta di bellezza[red͡ʒinˈetːa dˈi bellˈet͡sːa]reh-jeeh-neht-tah deeh behl-leh-tsahThe winner of a beauty contest.
Carnival QueenRegina del Carnevale[red͡ʒˈina dˈel karnevˈale]reh-jeeh-nah dehl kahr-neh-vah-lehA woman who heads a Carnival parade.
Queen of the kitchenRegina del focolare[red͡ʒˈina dˈel fokolˈare]reh-jeeh-nah dehl phoh-koh-lah-rehA euphemism for housewife.
To be stuck upDarsi arie da regina[dˈarsɪ ˈarie dˈa red͡ʒˈina]dahr-seeh ah-ree-eh dah reh-jeeh-nahHaughty, arrogant attitude, referring to a woman who considers herself superior to others.
To be a queen of virtueEssere una regina di virtù[ˈɛs͡sere ˈuna red͡ʒˈina dˈi virtˈu]ehs-seh-reh ooh-nah reh-jeeh-nah deeh veehr-tuhTo have many positive qualities.
QueenlyDa regina[dˈa red͡ʒˈina]dah reh-jeeh-nahMagnificent.
Queen beeApe regina[ˈape red͡ʒˈina]ah-peh reh-jeeh-nahWoman in a powerful position.
Queen of HeartsRegina di Cuori[red͡ʒˈina dˈi kʊˈɔrɪ]reh-jeeh-nah deeh kooh-oh-reehA fictional character in the 1865 book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
You are my queenSei la mia regina[sˈɛi lˈa mˈia red͡ʒˈina]seh-eeh lah meeh-ah reh-jeeh-nah Expression of endearment.
Queen of popRegina del pop[red͡ʒˈina dˈel pˈɔp]reh-jeeh-nah dehl pohpA nickname most commonly associated with American singer Madonna.

Example sentences using the word queen in different contexts

Let's check out the example sentences we've gathered for you below.

Maria José, moglie di Umberto II, fu l'ultima regina d'Italia prima della proclamazione della repubblica nel 1946.

Maria José, wife of Umberto II, was the last queen of Italy before the proclamation of the republic in 1946.

Da tutta la vita sogno di trascorrere una vacanza da regina in barca a vela.

All my life I’ve dreamed of a queen's vacation on a sailboat.

Elena ci darà molti problemi con le sue smanie di primeggiare e dandosi arie da regina.

Elena will give us a lot of trouble with her eagerness to excel, and by being so arrogant.

How to say king in Italian

King is the title given to the reigning monarch if that monarch is a man. The word for both the singular and plural form in Italian is “re,” which comes from the Latin “rex.” As you can see, the word “re” has the same form in the singular and the plural.

King in Italian.

English Italian IPAPronunciation
KingRe [rˈɛ]reh
KingsRe [rˈɛ]reh
Your MajestySua Maestà [sˈua maestˈa]sooh-ah mah-eh-stah
Kinglet, male monarch of a small countryReuccio [reˈut͡ʃːo]reh-uh-cho
Kinglets, male monarchs of small countriesReucci[reˈut͡ʃːɪ]reh-uh-cheeh

Other expressions related to the word king in Italian

Note that “re” is also a musical note, the equivalent of D in English. Many other terms are closely related to “re.” The following words, phrases, idioms, and expressions will come in handy if you want to expand the scope of your Italian knowledge. Have a look!

English Italian IPA Pronunciation Context or meaning
Long live the king! Lunga vita al re! [lˈuŋɡa vˈita ˈal rˈɛ] loohn-gah veeh-tah ahl reh An expression of patriotism and hope for the long life of the monarch.
Kingship Regalità, sovranità [reɡalitˈa] [sovranitˈa] reh-gah-leeh-tah
soh-vrah-neeh-tah
The fact or position of being a king.
King's Counsel Avvocato della corona [avvokˈato dˈella korˈona] ah-voh-kah-toh dehl-lah koh-roh-nah High-ranking barrister.
Kingdom Regno [rˈeɲɲo] reh-nyoh A state having a king as its head.
Interregnum Interregno [interɾˈeɲɲo] eehn-tehr-reh-nyoh The time during which a throne is vacant between two successive reigns.
Realm Reame [reˈame] reh-ah-meh A kingdom.
Viceroy Viceré [vit͡ʃerˈe] veeh-cheh-reh Someone who governs in the name of the monarch.
Royal Reale [reˈale] reh-ah-leh Something connected with a king, emperor, or their family.
Animal kingdom Regno animale [rˈeɲɲo animˈale] reh-nyoh ah-neeh-mah-leh A category of living organisms comprising all animals.
Plant kingdom Regno vegetale [rˈeɲɲo ved͡ʒetˈale] reh-nyoh veh-jeh-tah-leh A category of living organisms comprising plants, but excluding algae, fungi, and bacteria.
Mineral kingdom Regno minerale [rˈeɲɲo minerˈale] reh-nyoh meeh-neh-rah-leh All nonliving material.
King of kings Re dei re, gran re [rˈɛ dˈe͡ɪ rˈɛ] [ɡrˈan rˈɛ] reh deh-eeh reh
grahn reh
A title of any of various Asian monarchs.
Three Kings, The Three Wise Men, Biblical Magi Re Magi [rˈɛ mˈad͡ʒɪ] reh mah-jeeh The wise men from the east who came to do homage to the infant Jesus.
King of the forest Re della foresta, re della savana [rˈɛ dˈella forˈɛsta]
[rˈɛ dˈella savˈana]
reh dehl-lah pho-reh-stah reh dehl-lah sah-vah-nah Lion.
More royal than the king, more catholic than the pope, more x than x is. Essere più realista del re [ˈɛs͡sere pjˈu realˈista dˈel rˈɛ] ehs-seh-reh peeh-ooh reh-ah-leeh-stah dehl reh To stand up for a cause more than those who are directly involved in it.
Like a king Da re [dˈa rˈɛ] dah reh An expression used to describe something that looks as if it was made for a king.
The "I want" grass doesn't grow even in the king's garden L’erba voglio non cresce neanche nel giardino del re [lˈɛrba vˈoʎo nˈon krˈeʃe neˈanke nˈɛl d͡ʒardˈino dˈel rˈɛ] lehr-bah voh- wlheeh-oh nohn kreh-sheh neh-ahn-keh nehl jahr-deeh-noh dehl reh You can't always get what you want.
The emperor has no clothes! Il re è nudo! [ˈiːl rˈɛ ˈɛː nˈudo] eehl reh eh noo-doh Attitude of those who pretend not to see an obvious truth out of flattery and complacency with authority.
King cobra Cobra reale [kˈɔbra reˈale] koh-brah reh-ah-leh A large, poisonous snake native to Southeast Asia.
King crab Granchio reale [ɡrˈankio reˈale] grahn-keeh-oh reh-ah-leh A large, edible spider crab.

Example sentences using the word king in different contexts

Let’s look at some example sentences.

Vittorio Emanuele III divenne re d'Italia nel 1900, in seguito all'uccisione del padre Umberto I per mano di un anarchico di nome Gaetano Bresci.

Vittorio Emanuele III became king of Italy in 1900, after his father Umberto I was assassinated by an anarchist named Gaetano Bresci.

Il leone, considerato il re della foresta, è l'emblema della potenza reale.

The lion, considered the king of the forest, is the emblem of royal power.

Mia madre mi diceva sempre: “L'erba voglio non cresce neanche nel giardino del re”.

My mother used to tell me, "You can't always get what you want.”
(Literally: My mother used to tell me, "The “I want" grass doesn't grow even in the king's garden.")

How to say princess in Italian

Princess is the title given to the daughters and granddaughters of the sons of a reigning monarch. It’s pretty confusing, I know. The Italian word for princess is “principessa.” The plural form is “principesse.” Note that the final “e” in “principesse” is not silent. Leaving the “e” off, then, is a mistake.

English Italian IPAPronunciation
PrincessPrincipessa [print͡ʃipˈes͡sa]preehn-cheeh-pehs-sah
PrincessesPrincipesse [print͡ʃipˈɛs͡se]preehn-cheeh-pehs-seh
Little princessPrincipessina[print͡ʃipes͡sˈina]preehn-cheeh-pehs-seeh-nah
Little princessesPrincipessine[print͡ʃipes͡sˈine]preehn-cheeh-pehs-seeh-neh

Other terms and expressions that are related to the word princess in Italian

Principessa (princess) is a very common term of endearment and loving nickname to call your daughter, wife, girlfriend, or romantic partner. The words and phrases in this table, then, will be useful to know if you want to charm and pamper your Italian crush, improve your Italian, and sound like a native speaker!

The princess and the frog in Italian.

English Italian IPA Pronunciation Context or meaning
Crown princess Principessa ereditaria [print͡ʃipˈes͡sa ereditˈaria] preehn-cheeh-pehs-sah eh-reh-deeh-tah-reeh-ah The female heir to a sovereign throne.
Princess and the pea La principessa sul pisello [lˈa print͡ʃipˈes͡sa sˈul pizˈɛllo] lah preehn-cheeh-pehs-sah soohl peeh-sehhl-loh A literary fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a young woman whose royal ancestry is established by a test of her sensitivity.
The Princess and the Frog La principessa e il ranocchio [lˈa print͡ʃipˈes͡sa ˈeː ˈiːl ranˈɔkːio] lah preehn-cheeh-pehs-sah eh eehl rah-noh-keeh-oh An animated musical fantasy romantic comedy film.
You are my princess Sei la mia principessa [sˈɛi lˈa mˈia print͡ʃipˈes͡sa] seh-eeh lah meeh-ah preehn-cheeh-pehs-sah Expression of endearment.

Example sentences using the word princess in different contexts

Have a look at the following example sentences.

La principessa Vittoria di Savoia sarebbe la futura regina d’Italia se la monarchia fosse ancora in vigore.

Princess Vittoria di Savoia would be the future queen of Italy if the monarchy were still in place.

“Sei la mia principessa” le sussurrò teneramente all'orecchio.

"You are my princess," he whispered tenderly in her ear.

Mi piacerebbe tatuarmi la scritta “principessa” sopra al malleolo sinistro.

I would like to get the word "princess" tattooed above the left malleolus.

How to say prince in Italian

Prince is the title given to the sons and grandsons of the sons of a reigning monarch. The Italian word for prince is “principe” in Italian. The plural form is “principi.

English Italian IPAPronunciation
PrincePrincipe [prˈint͡ʃipe]preehn-cheeh-peh
PrincesPrincipi[prˈint͡ʃipɪ]preehn-cheeh-peeh
PrincedomPrincipato [print͡ʃipˈato]preehn-cheeh-pah-toh

Other words related to prince in Italian

As mentioned previously, “principe” is a common term of endearment used by parents and grandparents towards their sons and grandsons, as well as an affectionate nickname for boyfriends and husbands. What better way to show your significant other how important they are than by telling them “sei il mio principe”? Check out the words and phrases below!

The little prince in Italian.

English ItalianIPAPronunciationContext or meaning
PrincelyPrincipesco [print͡ʃipˈesko]preehn-cheeh-peh-skohMagnificent, splendid.
Prince charmingPrincipe azzurro[prˈint͡ʃipe ad͡zːˈurɾo]preehn-cheeh-peh ah-tsooh-rohA man who embodies a romantic ideal.
Crown PrincePrincipe ereditario[prˈint͡ʃipe ereditˈario]preehn-cheeh-peh eh-reh-deeh-tah-reeh-ohThe male heir to a sovereign throne.
The Little PrinceIl piccolo principe[ˈiːl pˈikːolo prˈint͡ʃipe]eehl peeh-koh-loh preehn-cheeh-pehA novella by French aristocrat, writer, and military aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
You are my princeSei il mio principe[sˈɛi ˈiːl mˈio prˈint͡ʃipe]seh-eeh eehl meeh-oh preehn-cheeh-pehExpression of endearment.

Example sentences using the word prince in different contexts

See some example sentences below.

Icona della prosperità del periodo successivo alla Seconda Guerra Mondiale, l’imprenditore Gianni Agnelli è considerato il vero principe d’Italia.

An icon of post-World War II prosperity, entrepreneur Gianni Agnelli is considered the true prince of Italy.

“Il Piccolo Principe” è uno dei libri più letti e amati nel mondo.

"The Little Prince" is one of the most widely read and loved books in the world.

Anche i cortigiani più conservatori riconoscono i benefici che il principe ha portato.

Even the most conservative courtiers recognize the benefits the prince has brought.

Noble titles and other important monarchy-related vocab in Italian

We’ve created a complete glossary of all the titles and royal words you need to know. Check it out!

English Italian IPAPronunciation
EmpireImpero [impˈɛro]eehm-peh-roh
EmperorImperatore [imperatˈore]eehm-peh-rah-toh-reh
EmpressImperatrice [imperatrˈit͡ʃe]eehm-peh-rah-treeh-cheh
HeirErede [erˈɛde]eh-reh-deh
CrownCorona[korˈona]koh-roh-nah
ThroneTrono[trˈɔno]troh-noh
MonarchistMonarchico [monˈarkiko]moh-nahr-keeh-koh
Anti-monarchistAntimonarchico [antimonˈarkiko]ahn-teeh-moh-nahr-keeh-koh
NoblemanNobiluomo [nobilʊˈɔmo]noh-beeh-looh-oh-moh
NoblewomanNobildonna [nobildˈɔnna]noh-beehl-dohn-nah
Noble titleTitolo nobiliare[tˈitolo nobiliˈare]teeh-toh-loh noh-beeh-leeh-ah-reh
DukedomDucato [dʊkˈato]dooh-kah-toh
DukeDuca [dˈuka]dooh-kah
DuchessDuchessa[dʊkˈes͡sa]dooh-kehs-sah
ArchdukeArciduca[art͡ʃidˈuka]ahr-cheeh-dooh-kah
ArchduchessArciduchessa [art͡ʃidʊkˈes͡sa]ahr-cheeh-dooh-kehs-sah
Grand dukeGranduca [ɡrandˈuka]grahn-dooh-kah
Grand duchessGranduchessa [ɡrandʊkˈes͡sa]grahn-dooh-kehs-sah
CountshipContea [kontˈɛa]kohn-teh-ah
CountConte [kˈonte]kohn-teh
CountessContessa [kontˈes͡sa]kohn-tehs-sah
ViscountVisconte [viskˈonte]veehs-kohn-teh
ViscountessViscontessa [viskontˈes͡sa]veehs-kohn-tehs-sah
Baronate, baronyBaronato [baronˈato]bah-roh-nah-toh
BaronBarone [barˈone]bah-roh-neh
BaronessBaronessa [baronˈes͡sa]bah-roh-nehs-sah
MarquessMarchese[markˈeze]mahr-keh-seh
MarquiseMarchesa [markˈeza]mahr-keh-sah
KnighthoodCavalierato [kavalierˈato]kah-vah-leeh-eh-rah-toh
KnightCavaliere [kavaliˈɛre]kah-vah-leeh-eh-reh
The Dark KnightIl cavaliere oscuro[ˈiːl kavaliˈɛre oskˈuro]eehl kah-vah-leeh-eh-reh oh-skooh-roh
PatricianPatrizio [patrˈit͡sio]pah-treeh-tseeh-oh
PatricianPatrizia [patrˈit͡sia]pah-treeh-tseeh-ah
Heir apparentDelfino [delfˈino]dehl-pheeh-noh
SultanSultano[sʊltˈano]soohl-tah-noh
CaliphateCaliffato [kaliffˈato]kah-leeh-pha-toh
CaliphCaliffo [kalˈiffo]kah-leeh-pho
MaharajahMaragià [maɾad͡ʒˈa]mah-rah-jah
TyrantDespota, tiranno[dˈɛspota]
[tirˈanno]
dehs-poh-tah
teeh-rahn-noh
DynastyDinastia [dinastˈia]deeh-nah-steeh-ah
CastleCastello [kastˈɛllo]kah-stehl-loh
Royal palaceReggia [rˈɛd͡ʒːa]reh-jah
Royal palacePalazzo reale[palˈat͡sːo reˈale]pah-lah-tsoh reh-ah-leh

Royal-related verbs in Italian

Here are some useful monarchy-related verbs that will help your Italian vocabulary grow.

English ItalianIPAPronunciation
To reignRegnare[reɲˈare]reh-nyah-reh
To crownIncoronare [inkoronˈare]eehn-koh-roh-nah-reh
To appoint [sb] to [sth]Nominare [nominˈare]noh-meeh-nah-reh
To ascend the throneSalire al trono[salˈire ˈal trˈɔno]sah-leeh-reh ahl troh-noh
To knightNominare cavaliere[nominˈare kavaliˈɛre]noh-meeh-nah-reh kah-vah-leeh-eh-reh
To abdicateAbdicare [abdikˈare]ahb-deeh-kah-reh
To succeedSuccedere [sʊt͡ʃːˈedere]sooh-che-deh-reh
To succeed to the throneSuccedere al trono[sʊt͡ʃːˈedere ˈal trˈɔno]sooh-che-deh-reh ahl troh-noh
To be born to the purpleAvere il sangue blu [avˈere ˈiːl sˈaŋɡwe blˈu]ah-veh-reh eehl sahn-gooh-eh blooh

“Regina di cuori” by Litfiba

“Regina di cuori” (Queen of Hearts) by Italian rock band Litfiba is the second single from the 1997 studio album “Mondi sommersi.”

Litfiba - Regina Di Cuori (1997)

The song “Regina di cuori” exuberantly explores the controversial relationships with the opposite sex, and is perfect to learn new vocabulary, and expressions, such as “finimondo” (chaos), “stratega” (strategist), “spina” (thorn), “tentazioni” (temptations), and “veleno” (poison).

In the lyrics of this great Italian song you’ll also spot lots of great adjectives, such as “meravigliosa” (wonderful), “pericolosa” (dangerous), “eterna” (eternal), and “peccaminosi” (sinful), as well as many verbs in the present tense, such as “confondi” (you confuse), “cerchi” (you look for), “lasci” (you leave), and “trasforma” (it transforms).

Read the lyrics and the English translation.

Here is the Spotify link to the majestic album “Mondi sommersi.” Dedicated to water, it is the fourth chapter of the tetralogy of elements, which began in 1990 with the release of “El diablo.”

Listen to it and sing along, out loud or in your mind, while you sunbathe at the beach, workout at the gym, mow the lawn, walk your dog in your neighborhood, or do household chores. While keeping fit and making your house spotless, you’ll grow your Italian vocabulary, and develop your fluency and confidence the fun way.

Ready to talk like a royal?

You’re now ready to take on the Italian speaking world with all these royal-related vocabulary words and expressions in your bag. Study, practice, and try to use them as much as you can, as often as you can.

If you liked this blog article lesson, discover more free Italian vocabulary articles in our learning Italian blog!

Till next time!

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