ottimo cibo
/ˈɔt.ti.mo ˈt͡ʃi.bo/word by word
The English phrase "great food" is translated into Italian as ottimo cibo.
ottimo cibo refers to food that is of very high quality or tastes delicious.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ottimo, meaning "excellent" or "very good" and cibo, meaning "food".
Which one should you use?
While buon cibo means "good food", ottimo cibo implies a higher level of quality or excellence. Additionally, when describing the quality of food at a restaurant, Italians often prefer using ottima cucina (excellent cooking/cuisine) instead of ottimo cibo.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɔt.ti.mo ˈtʃi.bo/. The phrase has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In many Italian regions, a common way to express that food is delicious is to say è la fine del mondo, which literally translates to 'it is the end of the world'.
- The word cibo shares a surprising root with the Spanish word cebo, which means 'bait' rather than 'food'.
- While ottimo means 'excellent', Italians often use the word squisito to describe food that is specifically delightful to the senses.
Examples in context
- Il cibo è incredibilmente buono!The food is incredibly good!
- La pasta alla carbonara è divina!The carbonara pasta is divine!
- Cerchiamo un posto con ottimo cibo.Let's look for a place with great food.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are dining at a new restaurant.
- GiuliaTi piace questo ristorante, Francesco?Do you like this restaurant, Francesco?
- FrancescoSì, preparano davvero ottimo cibo.Yes, they really prepare great food.
- GiuliaHai ragione, la pasta è perfetta.You are right, the pasta is perfect.
- FrancescoDobbiamo tornarci presto!We must come back soon!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ottimo, cibo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cibo, ottimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
