buonanotte bellissimo
The English phrase "goodnight handsome" is translated into Italian as buonanotte bellissimo.
This phrase is used as a romantic or affectionate way to say goodnight to a man. Because the adjective bellissimo is a superlative, the expression carries a high level of affection or flirtatiousness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of buona (good), notte (night) and bellissimo (very handsome/beautiful).
Did you know?
- In Italy, buonanotte is strictly used when someone is actually going to sleep or leaving for the night. If you are simply saying goodbye in the evening but will see the person again soon, you should use buonasera instead.
- While bellissimo translates to 'handsome', it is the same word used to describe a breathtaking sunset or a masterpiece of art. In Italian, the highest level of beauty is expressed with the same word regardless of whether the subject is a person or an object.
- The word buonanotte is a result of univerbation, where the separate words buona and notte merged into a single unit over time.
Examples in context
- Buonanotte, bello mio. Sogni d'oro!Goodnight, my handsome. Sweet dreams!
- Sogni d'oro, buonanotte bellissimo.Sweet dreams, goodnight handsome.
- Ti amo, buonanotte bellissimo.I love you, goodnight handsome.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are saying goodbye over the phone at night.
- GiuliaLorenzo, devo andare a dormire.Lorenzo, I have to go to sleep.
- LorenzoVa bene, a domani.Alright, see you tomorrow.
- GiuliaBuonanotte bellissimo.Goodnight handsome.
- LorenzoBuonanotte a te, Giulia.Goodnight to you, Giulia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bellissimo, buonanotte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
