un gran divertimento
The Italian phrase for "good fun" is un gran divertimento.
un gran divertimento is used to describe an event, an activity or a specific experience. It is not typically used to describe a person's character.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indefinite article un (a), the truncated form of the adjective grande (great) and the noun divertimento (fun/amusement/diversion).
Which one should you use?
Use the noun phrase un gran divertimento when you want to say something is "a great fun". If you want to use an adjective to say an activity "is fun", use divertente instead.
Did you know?
- The adjective divertente can be used sarcastically to mean 'ridiculous' or 'absurd', often accompanied by a specific eye-roll or shrug that changes the meaning entirely.
- The word divertimento shares a root with the English word 'divert'. In its original Latin sense, it meant to turn away from a path, suggesting that fun is a literal diversion from one's daily duties.
- While un gran divertimento describes an event, if you call a person un divertimento, you might accidentally imply they are an object of amusement rather than a person who is fun to be around.
Examples in context
- La fiera è stata un'esperienza di puro divertimentoThe fair was a pure fun experience
- L'escursione è stata un divertimento fantasticoThe excursion was great fun
- La serata è stata un divertimento pazzescoThe evening was crazy fun
- La serata è stata un divertimento spassosoThe evening was hilarious fun
- La festa è stata un gran divertimento.The party was great fun.
- Andare in montagna è un gran divertimento.Going to the mountains is great fun.
- Giocare a quel gioco è un gran divertimento.Playing that game is great fun.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are talking about a recent bowling outing.
- MartinaCom'è stata la serata di ieri?How was last night?
- MatteoÈ stato un gran divertimento!It was great fun!
- MartinaSono contenta che ti sia piaciuto.I am glad you liked it.
- MatteoSì, dobbiamo andarci di nuovo.Yes, we should go again.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries divertimento, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
