Sto bene
/ˈstɔ ˈbɛ.ne/
The English phrase 'I am fine' is translated into Italian as Sto bene.
Sto bene is a standard response used to say that you are in good health or feeling well. If you want to say you are doing very well, you can say Sto molto bene by adding 'molto' before 'bene'.
Which one should you use?
While Sto bene specifically refers to your health or well-being, other phrases may carry different nuances. Tutto bene is an informal way to say 'everything is fine', and Sono a posto is an informal expression that also means 'I am fine'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb 'stare' to express well-being. Specifically, Sto is the first-person singular present indicative of 'stare', which is used for health and temporary states.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈstɔ ˈbɛ.ne/. The phrase has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not say Sono bene. This is grammatically incorrect in Italian. Use Sto bene instead.
Did you know?
- In Italy, a common non-verbal accompaniment to Sto bene is a slight upward shrug or a tilt of the head, which can soften the phrase or signal a modest level of contentment.
- The word bene is a direct descendant of the Latin word 'bene', which also served as the root for English words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent'.
- While Sto bene means 'I am fine', using the verb stare in other contexts can mean 'to stay' or 'to remain'. This creates a conceptual link between feeling well and being in a stable state.
Examples in context
- Sto bene, e tu?I am fine, and you?This is useful for asking how the other person is doing.Tatoeba #1392286 by Guybrush88, translation #872223 by japegon
- Io sto bene, grazie.I am fine, thank you.This shows how to add a polite 'thank you' to your response.Tatoeba #2484471 by Guybrush88, translation #926934 by zvaigzne
- "Come sta?" "Sto bene, grazie.""How are you?" "I am fine, thank you."This demonstrates a typical exchange when someone asks how you are.Tatoeba #3638401 by Guybrush88, translation #73914 by Zifre
- Sto bene, grazie!I am fine, thank you!
- Sto benissimo, grazie mille!I am doing great, thank you very much!
- Mi sento bene oggi perché ho riposato moltoI am fine today because I rested a lot
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco meet in a park.
- GiuliaCiao Francesco, come stai?Hi Francesco, how are you?
- FrancescoSto bene, grazie. E tu, Giulia?I am fine, thanks. And you, Giulia?
- GiuliaAnch'io sto bene.I am fine too.
- FrancescoFelice di sentirlo.Glad to hear it.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry sto bene.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
