bene
/ˈbɛ.ne/
The Italian word bene means well or good.
bene is an adverb used to describe something done in a satisfactory or positive manner. It can also be used as an exclamation to express approval or to say "well done" in response to someone's performance. The way you say the word can change its meaning: a slow and prolonged beeeene indicates enthusiasm or satisfaction, while a quick and sharp bene might convey skepticism or doubt.
Which one should you use?
bene is an adverb meaning "well", whereas buono is an adjective meaning "good".
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈbɛ.ne/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the adjective buono instead of the adverb bene when describing how an action is performed.
When do people say it?
In Italy, a thumbs-up sign is a commonly used gesture to express bene.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word bene can be used as a noun meaning 'asset' or 'property' when used in the plural form beni.
- The Latin ancestor of bene is the same root found in the English word 'benign', which describes something that is kind or gentle.
- In Italian, the phrase stare bene can mean both 'to be healthy' and 'to feel comfortable' or 'to be in a good relationship'.
Examples in context
- Possiamo vederci domani? Va bene per te?Can we meet tomorrow? Is that okay with you?
- Ciao Marco, come stai? Tutto bene?Hi Marco, how are you? Is everything good?
- Quando Giulia ha sentito la notizia, è scoppiata a ridere! Beh, si vede che tutto va bene per lei!When Giulia heard the news, she burst out laughing! Well, it seems like everything is going well for her!
- Sto bene.I am well.
- Il bambino sta molto bene.The child is doing very well.
- Hai cucinato bene questa pasta.You cooked this pasta well.
- Tutto è andato bene oggi.Everything went well today.
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are discussing a cooking project.
- SofiaHai cucinato bene la pasta, Francesco.You cooked the pasta well, Francesco.
- FrancescoGrazie, Sofia! Mi sono impegnato.Thanks, Sofia! I put in effort.
- SofiaSì, il sapore è proprio bene.Yes, the flavor is really good.
- FrancescoSono contento che ti piaccia.I am glad that you like it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, CC BY-SA 4.0.
