donna bona
The English phrase "hot woman" is translated into Italian as donna bona.
The phrase is used to describe a woman who is considered physically and sexually attractive.
Which one should you use?
While donna bona is used for a "hot woman", you can use Donna sexy to mean "sexy woman" in an informal context. If you wish to express that a woman is attractive in a more polite and standard way, use una bella donna, which means "a beautiful woman".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
donna bona is a colloquial expression that can be perceived as objectifying or slightly vulgar depending on the context. Donna sexy is used in informal contexts, while una bella donna is the more polite and standard option.
Did you know?
- The word donna is etymologically linked to the Latin word for 'home', domus, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'domestic'.
- The adjective bona is often used in Italian to describe food that is delicious, creating a linguistic link between physical attractiveness and taste.
- Using bona to describe a person is very common in Central Italy, particularly in Rome, where it is used heavily in colloquial speech.
Examples in context
- Guarda quella donna sexy là!Look at that sexy woman over there!
- È una donna bona, davvero.She is a hot woman, really.
- Hai visto quella donna bona?Did you see that hot woman?
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are walking through a crowded city street.
- LorenzoGuarda quella donna bona.Look at that hot woman.
- SofiaSì, Lorenzo, è molto attraente.Yes, Lorenzo, she is very attractive.
- LorenzoHai ragione, è una donna bona.You're right, she is a hot woman.
- SofiaNon essere così volgare!Don't be so vulgar!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries donna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
