bel sorriso
The English phrase "beautiful smile" is translated into Italian as bel sorriso.
bel sorriso is used to describe a smile that is pleasing or attractive to look at.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of bel, a truncated form of the adjective bello meaning beautiful or handsome and sorriso, meaning smile.
Which one should you use?
You can use un sorriso bellissimo if you want to emphasize the beauty by saying "a very beautiful smile". Additionally, un sorriso splendido can be used to mean "a splendid smile".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase bel sorriso, the adjective bello is truncated to bel because it precedes a masculine singular noun starting with a consonant. When using this phrase in a sentence, it is almost always preceded by the indefinite article un, forming the phrase un bel sorriso.
Did you know?
- The word sorriso comes from the Latin subrīsus, which combines sub meaning 'under' and rīsus meaning 'laughter'. It literally describes a laugh that is kept 'under' or suppressed.
- In much of Italy, a 'bel sorriso' is considered a sign of 'bella figura', a cultural concept of making a good impression and presenting oneself well.
- Italian has a specific term, sorriso a trentadue denti, which literally means 'a smile with thirty-two teeth'. This is used to describe a very wide, beaming bel sorriso.
Examples in context
- Ha un bel sorriso.You have a beautiful smile.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has a bel sorriso.Tatoeba #3009382 by Guybrush88, translation #2045790 by CK
- Aveva un bel sorriso.She had a beautiful smile.This sentence is useful for describing that someone had a bel sorriso.Tatoeba #7330309 by Guybrush88, translation #3145313 by Hybrid
- Ha davvero un bel sorriso.You really do have a beautiful smile.This sentence is useful for emphasizing that someone truly has a bel sorriso.Tatoeba #3125450 by Guybrush88, translation #2045841 by CK
- Il tuo sorriso è come un raggio di sole che mi riscalda il cuore.Your smile is like a ray of sunshine that warms my heart.
- Non c'è niente di più bello di vedere un sorriso sincero sul tuo viso.There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a genuine smile on your face.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are chatting at a cafe.
- GiuliaLorenzo, hai un bel sorriso.Lorenzo, you have a beautiful smile.
- LorenzoGrazie, Giulia, sei molto gentile.Thank you, Giulia, you are very kind.
- GiuliaDico davvero, ti illumina il viso.I really mean it, it lights up your face.
- LorenzoMi fai arrossire!You're making me blush!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sorriso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
