complimenti
The Italian word for "compliments" is complimenti.
complimenti is used to express praise or admiration, often to congratulate someone on an achievement. While it translates to "compliments" in English, it is much more commonly used in Italian to express "congratulations" for a success or achievement.
Which one should you use?
In English, "compliments" often refers to flattering remarks, but in Italian, complimenti carries a strong connotation of congratulating someone on a specific merit or success.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the act of giving someone compliments, use the phrase fare i complimenti, which uses the verb fare (to do/make) rather than dare (to give).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use complimenti to mean "compliments" in a purely flattering sense, but in Italian, it carries a strong connotation of congratulating someone on a specific merit or success.
Did you know?
- While complimenti is positive, the phrase fare i complimenti can be used sarcastically to criticize someone's mistake, similar to the English phrase 'well done' used ironically.
- When a person receives a compliment in Italy, it is customary to respond with grazie rather than the modest deflection often seen in English-speaking cultures.
- If you want to say 'congratulations' for a major milestone like a wedding or a graduation, Italians often prefer the word congratulazioni over complimenti.
Examples in context
- La riempì di complimenti.He showered her with compliments.This sentence shows the use of complimenti when showering someone with praise.Tatoeba #2742410 by Guybrush88, translation #2742407 by al_ex_an_der
- I nostri complimenti al cuoco.Our compliments to the chef.This sentence demonstrates how to offer your compliments to a chef.Tatoeba #7338608 by Guybrush88, translation #7306613 by Hybrid
- Dai i nostri complimenti al cuoco.Give our compliments to the chef.This sentence is a way to instruct someone to pass on compliments to the chef.Tatoeba #7338618 by Guybrush88, translation #7306609 by Hybrid
- Mi scuso per l'interruzione, ma devo dire che il vostro abito è molto elegante.I apologize for interrupting, but I must say your dress is very elegant.
- Il suo lavoro è davvero eccezionale.Your work is truly exceptional.
- La sua presentazione è stata molto interessante ed esauriente.Your presentation was very interesting and comprehensive.
- Complimenti per i suoi successi.Congratulations on your achievements.
- Sai, il tuo stile è davvero cool.You know, your style is really cool.
- Sei davvero bellissimo/bellissima oggi.You look absolutely beautiful today.
- Hai cucinato una cena deliziosa!You cooked a delicious dinner!
- Hai fatto un ottimo lavoro.You did a great job.
- Sei molto bravo/bravaYou are very talented.
- Mi piace molto la tua voce dolceI really like your sweet voice.
- Sei la persona più gentile che io conoscaYou are the kindest person I know.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are celebrating a promotion at work.
- LorenzoHo appena sentito la notizia, complimenti!I just heard the news, congratulations!
- MartinaGrazie mille, Lorenzo, sono davvero felice.Thank you so much, Lorenzo, I am really happy.
- LorenzoTe lo meriti per tutto il tuo impegno.You deserve it for all your hard work.
- MartinaSei molto gentile, grazie per i complimenti.You are very kind, thank you for the compliments.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry complimenti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
