Which one should you use?
There is a functional difference between migliore and meglio. Use migliore when you are modifying a noun, such as describing the best person or the best thing. Use meglio when you are modifying a verb, such as describing how someone does something best.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
migliore is the singular form and can be used for both masculine and feminine singular subjects. For example, it can be used with a singular feminine noun like in la migliore pizza. The plural form of this word is migliori, which is used for both masculine and feminine plural subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /miʎˈʎo.re/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using migliore as an adverb. English speakers often mistakenly use it to describe how an action is performed, but you should use meglio instead.
Did you know?
- The Italian word migliore comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'strong' or 'big' rather than 'good'.
- If you want to say someone is 'the best' in a highly informal or slang way, you might hear the word top, which is borrowed from English.
- In Italian, using il migliore to describe a person can sometimes imply they are the most skilled, whereas il più bravo emphasizes they are the most talented or well-behaved.
Examples in context
- Tom è il migliore.Tom is the best.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is the best using migliore.Tatoeba #4395299 by Guybrush88, translation #2273541 by CK
- Chi era il migliore?Who was the best?This sentence is useful for asking who was the best using migliore.Tatoeba #4525061 by Guybrush88, translation #4495205 by CK
- Yanni è il migliore.Yanni is the best.This sentence is useful for stating that Yanni is the best using migliore.Tatoeba #10247777 by Guybrush88, translation #10013196 by Amastan
- Il libro miglioreThe best book
- Quel film è top!That movie is the best!
- Il miglior ristorante in cittàThe best restaurant in town
- Lei è la migliore cantante che io abbia mai sentitoShe is the best singer I have ever heard
- Questo è il miglior libro che abbia mai lettoThis is the best book I have ever read
- 655 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing which book to buy.
- FrancescoQuale di questi libri è il migliore?Which of these books is the best?
- GiuliaPenso che quello rosso sia il migliore.I think the red one is the best.
- FrancescoHai ragione, ha la trama migliore.You're right, it has the best plot.
- GiuliaAllora compriamo questo!Then let's buy this one!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best” translations and entries migliore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries migliore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
