ottimo lavoro
/ˈɔt.ti.mo laˈvo.ro/word by word
The English phrase 'great job' is translated into Italian as ottimo lavoro.
If you want to praise the specific result of an action rather than the effort of the work itself, you can use ben fatto instead. To offer compliments and praise someone's work, you might also use the expression complimenti.
Meaning: well done, congrats! (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective ottimo (excellent/great) and the noun lavoro (work/job).
Which one should you use?
While buon lavoro means 'good job', ottimo lavoro is stronger and translates more closely to 'excellent' or 'great' job. Additionally, ben fatto means "well done" and can be used informally to congratulate someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because lavoro is a masculine singular noun, the adjective must be in the masculine singular form ottimo.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈɔt.ti.mo laˈvo.ro/', 'syllables': 5, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 5'}
When do people say it?
When addressing people to applaud an accomplishment, you can use bravo for a male, brava for a female or bravi when addressing a group of people.
Did you know?
- While bravo means 'great job' or 'well done', it originally meant 'courageous' or 'bold'. In old Italian plays, it was often used to describe a hired thug or a daring criminal.
- Although bravo is used globally to mean 'well done', in Italian it can also mean 'well-behaved' when describing a child or a pet.
- The word lavoro is related to the English word 'elaborate'. Both stem from the Latin root for working a material, like metal or leather, with great care.
Examples in context
- Fece un ottimo lavoro.She did a great job.This sentence shows how to describe a completed great job in the past.Tatoeba #6553131 by Guybrush88, translation #1862548 by Spamster
- Tom farà un ottimo lavoro.Tom is going to do a great job.This sentence illustrates the use of the phrase to describe a future great job.Tatoeba #5204350 by Guybrush88, translation #6438282 by CK
- Stanno facendo un ottimo lavoro.They're doing a great job.This sentence demonstrates the phrase used in the present continuous tense.Tatoeba #5563349 by Guybrush88, translation #3530282 by CK
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo has just finished presenting a new project at work.
- MartinaOttimo lavoro, Matteo!Great job, Matteo!
- MatteoGrazie mille, Martina.Thanks a lot, Martina.
- MartinaHai spiegato tutto molto bene.You explained everything very well.
- MatteoSono molto contento che ti sia piaciuto.I am very happy that you liked it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ottimo, lavoro) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
