bel ragazzo
The Italian phrase for 'handsome boy' is bel ragazzo.
bel ragazzo is used to describe a young man who is physically attractive. It is important to distinguish this from bravo ragazzo, which refers to a 'good boy' in terms of his character or behavior rather than his looks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on gender, number and intensity. To describe a beautiful girl, change the adjective to bella and the noun to ragazza, resulting in bella ragazza. For the plural form 'handsome boys', use belli ragazzi. Note that when using the indefinite article un (a), the adjective bello truncates to bel before a masculine noun, as seen in un bel ragazzo. Note that ragazzino carino is a different phrase used to mean 'cute little boy'.
Did you know?
- The word ragazzo might have its roots in the Arabic word raqqāṣ, meaning a 'courier' or 'delivery boy'.
- In Italy, calling someone a bel ragazzo can sometimes be a playful or flirtatious way to address a man regardless of his actual age.
- Depending on the region, ragazzo is frequently used to mean 'boyfriend' in the phrase il mio ragazzo.
Examples in context
- Guarda quel bel ragazzo.Look at that handsome boy.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase bel ragazzo.Tatoeba #565624 by bruno_b, translation #565582 by CK
- Ho incontrato un giovane attraente oggi.I met an attractive young man today.
- Ciao Luca, sei proprio un bel ragazzo!Hey Luca, you are such a handsome boy!
- È un bel ragazzo, vero?He is a handsome boy, isn't he?
- Ho visto un bel ragazzo al parco.I saw a handsome boy at the park.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are people-watching at a cafe.
- ChiaraGuarda quel bel ragazzo laggiù.Look at that handsome boy over there.
- FrancescoSì, è davvero molto attraente.Yes, he is really very attractive.
- ChiaraPensi che sia un modello?Do you think he is a model?
- FrancescoPotrebbe esserlo, ha un bell'aspetto.He could be, he looks great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ragazzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
