bel ragazzo
The English phrase "handsome guy" can be translated into Italian as bel ragazzo.
bel ragazzo is used to describe a man or boy who is physically attractive. If you want to use slang to describe someone as cool, attractive or stylish, you might use Figo. To describe someone as being a spectacle or stunning, you can use the informal phrase Uno spettacolo!
Which one should you use?
While bel ragazzo means a handsome guy, you can use bellissimo ragazzo if you want to emphasize that he is extremely handsome.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase bel ragazzo, the adjective bello is truncated to bel because it precedes a masculine noun starting with a consonant.
Did you know?
- The slang term figo is used for someone attractive, but be careful with its pronunciation and context, as it is also a vulgar term for male genitalia in many other contexts.
- The word ragazzo might trace its roots back to the Arabic word for a 'courier' or 'delivery boy', implying a young man's role in a historical social hierarchy.
- In Italian, calling a man bello alone can sometimes be used as a friendly or even slightly condescending term of endearment, depending on the tone and relationship.
Examples in context
- Tom è un bel ragazzo.Tom is a handsome guy.Tatoeba #3509407 by Guybrush88, translation #2462687 by CK
- Ciao ragazzi, devo ammettere che siete davvero belli!Hi guys, I have to admit that you are really handsome!
- È un bel ragazzo, vero?He is a handsome guy, right?
- Quel bel ragazzo è il mio vicino.That handsome guy is my neighbor.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are watching people in a café.
- GiuliaGuarda quel bel ragazzo lì.Look at that handsome guy over there.
- MatteoSì, è davvero attraente.Yes, he is really attractive.
- GiuliaTi piace quel bel ragazzo?Do you like that handsome guy?
- MatteoForse, è molto carino.Maybe, he is very cute.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ragazzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
