segni: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “segni” mean?
Plural of 'segno', a sign in sheet music indicating a point from which to repeat or to which to jump.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Plural of 'segno', a sign in sheet music indicating a point from which to repeat or to which to jump.
Used in musical notation to mark specific points of repetition or entry in a composition, such as Dal Segno (D.S.) or Segno signs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US English. Both follow the Italian musical terminology.
Connotations
Purely technical; associated with formal music reading and performance instructions.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “segni” in a Sentence
[plural noun] indicate the points for repetition.The [segni] are clearly marked in the score.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology, score analysis, and music theory papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential in musical notation, conducting, and performance instructions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “segni”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “segni”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “segni”
- Pronouncing the 'g' as hard /g/ (incorrect) instead of /j/ (correct).
- Using 'segni' as a singular noun.
- Confusing 'segni' with rehearsal letters or bar numbers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a direct loanword from Italian used specifically in the context of Western musical notation. It is not used in general English.
It is pronounced /ˈseɪnjəʊ/ (SAY-nyoh), with a silent 'g'. The 'gn' creates a /nj/ sound, similar to 'lasagna'.
In everyday conversation about music, you could say 'repeat signs'. However, in formal musical terminology, 'segno' and 'segni' are the precise terms used in scores and instructions.
The most common is 'Dal Segno' (D.S.), meaning 'from the sign', instructing the performer to go back to the segno symbol and repeat from there.
Plural of 'segno', a sign in sheet music indicating a point from which to repeat or to which to jump.
Segni is usually formal/technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “D.S. al Coda (Dal Segno al Coda)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SEGNO' = 'SIGN' in Italian. 'Segni' (plural) are the SIGN-posts in music telling you where to go back.
Conceptual Metaphor
A musical roadmap signpost.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'segni'?