Buona pasta
The English phrase "good pasta" is translated into Italian as Buona pasta.
This phrase is used to describe pasta that has a pleasant taste or is of high quality.
Which one should you use?
While Buona pasta is a common way to describe the quality of the food, you may also see the phrase pasta buona. Placing the adjective after the noun often shifts the emphasis toward a more objective or descriptive classification of the pasta.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because pasta is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine adjective buona. Using the masculine form buon pasta is grammatically incorrect.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use buon pasta.
When do people say it?
In Italy, pasta is traditionally served as a first course, which is known as il primo.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word pasta is used generally for any dough, meaning a 'good pasta' could technically refer to a high-quality pastry or bread dough rather than just noodles.
- Despite the high value placed on buona pasta, it is considered a culinary faux pas in Italy to add cream to traditional carbonara to make it 'better'.
- The word pasta shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the Greek verb pássō, which means 'to pass' or 'to spread'.
Examples in context
- Grazie per questa meravigliosa pasta!Thank you for this wonderful pasta!
- Complimenti allo chef per la pasta strepitosa.Compliments to the chef for the amazing pasta.
- È stata una pasta davvero deliziosa!It was a truly delicious pasta!
- Abbiamo appena gustato una pasta buonissima al ristorante di Mario!We just had an incredibly delicious pasta at Mario's restaurant!
- Era ottima! La pasta era al dente e il sugo era ricco di sapori.It was excellent! The pasta was al dente, and the sauce was full of flavors.
- Mamma mia, questa pasta è squisita!Oh my, this pasta is delicious!
- Cerco sempre una buona pasta al supermercato.I always look for a good pasta at the supermarket.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are eating dinner together.
- GiuliaHai assaggiato il piatto, Francesco?Did you taste the dish, Francesco?
- FrancescoSì, è proprio buona pasta!Yes, it is really good pasta!
- GiuliaSono contenta che ti piaccia.I am glad that you like it.
- FrancescoComplimenti per la cena, Giulia.Compliments on the dinner, Giulia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pasta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
