bis
/ˈbis/
The Italian word for encore is bis.
In Italian, bis is the standard term for a repeat performance. While English speakers frequently use the French word 'encore', Italians use bis. To express the idea of performing an encore, you use the verb fare (to do/make) with the noun, as in the phrase fare il bis.
Meaning: a call for a repeat performance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun bis is invariable, which means it does not change its form when it becomes plural. Instead, only the article changes, such as in i bis (the encores).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbis/
Did you know?
- The word bis is used beyond the stage to describe a double portion of food or a second helping of a drink in some regional contexts.
- In Italian opera, a bis was historically a highly prized honor that could signal a performer's immense popularity or a singer's power to influence the audience.
- The word bis comes directly from the Latin word for 'twice'.
Examples in context
- Applaudirono finché il pianista con suonò il bis.They clapped until the pianist played an encore.This sentence shows how to describe a pianist performing a bis.Tatoeba #5408034 by dnnywld, translation #2480043 by sharptoothed
- Il pubblico ha chiesto il bis.The audience called for an encore.
- Il cantante ha fatto un bis molto bello.The singer performed a very beautiful encore.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are leaving a concert.
- GiuliaChe concerto incredibile, vero?What an incredible concert, right?
- MatteoSì, spero che facciano il bis!Yes, I hope they do an encore!
- GiuliaGuarda, stanno tornando sul palco.Look, they are coming back on stage.
- MatteoFinalmente, ecco il bis!Finally, here is the encore!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
