va bene
/ˌva‿bˈbɛ.ne/
In Italian, alright is expressed as va bene.
va bene is an expression used to show agreement or to say that something is acceptable. Similar to the English 'alright', it can also function as a filler word to help transition between different thoughts.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˌva‿bˈbɛ.ne/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
When you want to emphasize that something is alright specifically in the way it currently is, you can use the informal phrase Va bene così (alright like this) to express contentment or acceptance.
Did you know?
- If someone says Va bene! with a sharp, falling intonation, it can function as a command to 'stop it' or 'enough', rather than a polite agreement.
- The word bene is a direct descendant of the Latin adverb 'bene', which is also the root of English words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent'.
- While va bene means 'it goes well', the verb andare (to go) is used here to describe the state of a situation rather than physical movement.
Examples in context
- Va bene. Cosa dovremmo cantare?Alright. What should we sing?This example shows va bene used to initiate a suggestion.Tatoeba #11781449 by Guybrush88, translation #11277821 by Aphima
- "È pronto?" "No." "Va bene, andiamo.""Are you ready?" "Nope." "Alright let's go."This example shows va bene used to signal a transition to a new action.Tatoeba #9712735 by Guybrush88, translation #9198680 by DJ_Saidez
- Va bene interpretare le cose a modo proprio.It's alright to interpret things in your own way.This example shows va bene used to indicate that an action is acceptable.Tatoeba #13030912 by Nuel, translation #13030911 by Nuel
- Il tuo progetto sembra interessante. Va bene, possiamo iniziare a lavorarci insieme.Your project looks interesting. Alright, let's start working on it together.
- La riunione sarà alle 10 di mattina, d'accordo?The meeting will be at 10 in the morning, alright?
- "Andiamo al cinema?" – "Va bene!""Shall we go to the cinema?" – "Alright!"
- "Hai tempo per una chiacchierata?" – "Ok!""Do you have time for a chat?" – "Alright!"
- Dai, andiamo a bere un caffè insieme!Alright, let's go have a coffee together!
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing their plans for the evening.
- AlessandroCi vediamo al cinema dopo la cena?Shall we meet at the cinema after dinner?
- SofiaVa bene, mi sembra un'ottima idea.Alright, that sounds like a great idea.
- AlessandroTi passo a prendere io alle nove.I will pick you up at nine.
- SofiaPerfetto, a più tardi, Alessandro.Perfect, see you later, Alessandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry va bene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, va, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
