Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| ottimo | /ˈɔt.ti.mo/ |
| formidabile | /for.miˈda.bi.le/ |
| magnifico | /maɲˈɲi.fi.ko/ |
| eccellente | /et.t͡ʃelˈlɛn.te/ |
When you want to say something is 'great' in the sense of being very good or of high quality, use ottimo. It is particularly effective when expressing satisfaction with things like food, a service or an idea.
Which one should you use?
While grande can be used to describe someone of great importance or fame, it primarily refers to physical size (big or large). In contrast, ottimo refers specifically to the quality of something. ottimo is the superlative form of the adjective buono (good), literally meaning 'the best' or 'very good'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ottimo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use ottima for feminine singular nouns, ottimi for masculine plural nouns and ottime for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ottimo is /ˈɔt.ti.mo/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word formidabile can be used to mean 'great' or 'wonderful', but in certain contexts it still retains its original meaning of 'formidable' or 'frightening'.
- The term ottimo comes from the Latin word optimus, which is the same root used for the English word 'optimal'.
- In a restaurant, saying ottimo while nodding is a common non-verbal cue to the waiter that the meal is perfect without needing further adjectives.
Examples in context
- Il cibo è ottimo.The food is great.This sentence shows how to describe food as ottimo.Tatoeba #11869849 by Guybrush88, translation #8045464 by CK
- È un ottimo piano.That's a great plan.This sentence demonstrates using ottimo to describe a plan.Tatoeba #3531899 by Guybrush88, translation #3531831 by CK
- Il caffè è ottimo.The coffee is great.This sentence shows how to use ottimo when talking about coffee.Tatoeba #6063254 by Guybrush88, translation #5874290 by mailohilohi
- La presentazione di oggi è stata eccellente.Today's presentation was excellent.
- La sua interpretazione al pianoforte è stata superba.His piano performance was superb.
- La vista dal balcone è meravigliosa.The view from the balcony is marvelous.
- Il tuo nuovo vestito è fantastico.Your new dress is fantastic.
- Il concerto di ieri sera è stato stupendo.Last night's concert was stunning.
- Il nuovo videogioco è una vera figata!The new video game is really awesome!
- La tua macchina è davvero figa!Your car is really cool!
- 152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are discussing a movie they just watched.
- SofiaChe film, Matteo!What a movie, Matteo!
- MatteoSì, è stato davvero ottimo.Yes, it was truly great.
- SofiaLa trama era eccellente.The plot was excellent.
- MatteoConcordo, è stato un ottimo film.I agree, it was a great movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “great” translations and entries ottimo, formidabile, magnifico, eccellente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eccellente, formidabile, magnifico, ottimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
