voi (singolare di cortesia)
Historical Polite 'Voi' (Pre-Lei Address)
The historical polite voi is a singular form of address used to show respect. While Lei is the modern standard, voi was the primary polite form for centuries and remains common in literature, period films, and Southern Italian dialects.
How It Works
The use of voi as a polite singular address (allocutivo di cortesia) has a long history in Italy, dating back to the Roman Empire.
1. Grammatical Agreement
When using the polite voi, the verb always takes the 2nd person plural form. However, adjectives and past participles usually agree with the actual gender and number of the person being addressed (singular), not the grammatical plural of the pronoun.
Example: Voi, signore, siete molto gentile (singular adjective).
2. Clitic Pronouns
It uses the plural clitics vi (direct/indirect) and ve (combined).
Example: Vi prego, entrate (I beg you, enter).
3. Usage Contexts
- Historical/Literary: Standard in texts from Dante to Manzoni. It is essential for reading classics or watching historical dramas.
- Regional: Still widely used in Southern Italy (Campania, Puglia, Sicily) as a sign of traditional respect, especially toward elders.
- Formal Correspondence: Occasionally found in very formal or archaic business letters.
4. Historical Note: During the Fascist era, there was an attempt to ban Lei (viewed as foreign/effeminate) in favor of voi. However, voi is much older than this period and remains a legitimate, though specialized, part of the Italian linguistic landscape.
Examples (5)
- Siete voi qui, ser Brunetto?
Are you here, Ser Brunetto?
Word by Word: Are you here, Sir Brunetto?
Dante uses 'voi' to address his teacher with deep respect in the Divine Comedy.
- E voi, nonno, come state?
And you, Grandpa, how are you?
Word by Word: And you, grandpa, how [do you] stay?
A typical Southern Italian usage where 'voi' is used for family elders instead of 'tu' or 'Lei'.
- Vi supplico, monsignore, siate clemente.
I beg you, Monsignor, be merciful.
Word by Word: You [I] beg, Monsignor, be merciful.
In period fiction, 'voi' is used for high-ranking officials. Note that 'clemente' remains singular.
- Voi siete molto generoso, signore.
You are very generous, sir.
Word by Word: You are very generous, sir.
The verb 'siete' is plural, but the adjective 'generoso' is singular because it refers to one man.
- Vogliate gradire i nostri più distinti saluti.
Please accept our most distinguished regards.
Word by Word: Want to accept the our most distinguished greetings.
A survival of the polite 'voi' in highly formal, old-fashioned business correspondence.
Common Mistakes
Pluralizing adjectives when addressing one person.
Voi siete stanchi, professore.Voi siete stanco, professore.Even though the verb is plural (siete), the adjective must match the actual person (singular).
Using 'voi' in a modern professional setting in Northern/Central Italy.
Voi siete il nuovo direttore?Lei è il nuovo direttore?In modern standard Italian, 'Lei' is the correct polite form. Using 'voi' can sound like you are acting in a historical play.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the historical use of 'voi' as a singular polite form, learners must first be familiar with the standard personal pronoun system and the modern distinction between formal (Lei) and informal (tu) address. Additionally, knowing how 'voi' functions as a plural formal address in modern Italian provides the grammatical basis for its historical singular application.
Related Patterns
- Lei / tuFormal vs. Informal Register (Lei vs. Tu)
The modern standard system of polite address which replaced the historical 'voi'.
Level 3 - Subject Pronouns
Provides the foundational understanding of 'voi' as the 2nd person plural pronoun.
Level 1 - Adjective Agreement
Explains why adjectives remain singular even when the 'voi' pronoun is grammatically plural.
Level 1 - mi / ti / lo / la / ci / vi / li / leDirect Object Pronouns
Covers the use of 'vi' as the object pronoun associated with 'voi'.
Level 1 - Imperative with noi and voi
The imperative forms used when giving polite commands using the 'voi' register.
Level 2 - egli / ella / esso / essaArchaic Personal Pronouns (Egli/ella/esso/essa)
Other archaic pronouns often found in the same literary contexts as the historical 'voi'.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice voi (singolare di cortesia) in Bubblegum
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