bella donna
/ˈbɛl.la ˈdɔn.na/word by word
The Italian phrase for "beautiful woman" is bella donna.
bella donna is the most straightforward and commonly used translation for a woman who is physically attractive. Note that bella donna is also the Italian name for the belladonna plant (deadly nightshade).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective bella (beautiful) and the noun donna (woman).
Which one should you use?
While bella donna is the standard term, you can use donna incantevole to emphasize an enchanting and captivating quality of beauty. donna splendida is used when expressing admiration in a more formal way. For a light-hearted and friendly way to describe someone, you might use carina da morire, which means "cute to die for".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbɛl.la ˈdɔn.na/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Historically, the name of the plant bella donna comes from women using its juice to dilate their pupils to look more attractive, a practice that was both beautiful and dangerous.
- The word donna is a direct descendant of the Latin domina, which originally meant 'mistress of the house' or 'lady'.
- While bella donna is the literal translation, Italians often use the word bella on its own as a noun to refer to a beautiful girl or woman.
Examples in context
- Sei una bella donna.You're a beautiful woman.This sentence uses bella donna to tell someone they are a beautiful woman.Tatoeba #3208686 by Guybrush88, translation #2045768 by CK
- Era una bella donna.She was a beautiful woman.This sentence uses bella donna to describe a woman in the past tense.Tatoeba #13301045 by Guybrush88, translation #11228920 by ddnktr
- Sogno una bella donna.I dream about a beautiful woman.This sentence uses bella donna to describe a woman in a dream.Tatoeba #3264170 by Guybrush88, translation #1457252 by niceguydave
- Maria è una bella donna.Maria is a beautiful woman.
- Complimenti, sei una bellissima donna!Congratulations, you are a beautiful woman!
- La signora Rossi è una donna incantevole.Mrs. Rossi is an enchanting woman.
- La modella è una donna davvero splendida.The model is a truly splendid woman.
- La tua amica è davvero una bella ragazza!Your friend is indeed a beautiful girl!
- La ragazza che ho appena visto era veramente mozzafiato!The girl I just saw was truly stunning!
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro is complimenting Chiara on her look.
- ChiaraSei davvero una bella donna stasera.You are truly a beautiful woman tonight.
- AlessandroGrazie mille, Alessandro!Thank you so much, Alessandro!
- ChiaraIl tuo vestito ti rende una bella donna.Your dress makes you a beautiful woman.
- AlessandroSei troppo gentile con me.You are too kind to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bella, donna) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bella, donna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
