bella signora
/ˈbɛl.la siɲˈɲo.ra/word by word
The Italian phrase for "beautiful lady" is bella signora.
bella signora is used to address or describe a woman who is physically attractive in a polite manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bella (beautiful) and signora (lady/Mrs.).
Which one should you use?
Use bella ragazza if the person is a young woman or a girl, as signora implies a certain level of maturity or marital status. To express "very beautiful lady", you can use the superlative form bellissima signora.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bella signora is suitable for formal situations. Using signora makes the phrase more respectful and formal than using ragazza (girl) or donna (woman).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a higher degree of beauty, you can change the adjective to its superlative form bellissima as in bellissima signora.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɛl.la siɲˈɲo.ra/, 4 syllables, stressed syllable 1 of 4.
Did you know?
- In Italian, calling a woman bella can sometimes be used ironically to describe someone who has made a clumsy mistake.
- While bella signora is polite, calling a stranger bella in a public setting can be perceived as 'catcalling' or overly flirtatious in modern Italy.
- The word bella is used in the common idiom bella figura, which refers to maintaining a good public image and appearance.
Examples in context
- È una bella signora, molto elegante.She is a beautiful lady, very elegant.
- Quella bella signora sorride sempre.That beautiful lady always smiles.
Example conversation
Matteo meets Chiara at a formal art gallery opening.
- MatteoBuonasera, bella signora. Come sta?Good evening, beautiful lady. How are you?
- ChiaraSto bene, grazie. E lei?I am well, thank you. And you?
- MatteoMolto bene, ora che l'ho incontrata.Very well, now that I have met you.
- ChiaraÈ molto gentile, Matteo.You are very kind, Matteo.
