sto bene, grazie
The English phrase "I am fine, thank you" is translated into Italian as sto bene, grazie.
This phrase is a polite response used to tell someone that you are doing well after they ask how you are.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "I stay well, thanks", using the verb stare (to stay/be) instead of essere (to be).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb sto is the first-person singular present indicative of stare, used here to describe a state of being or health.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say sono bene, grazie by translating "I am" literally. However, sono (from essere) is grammatically incorrect for describing health or well-being in this context.
When do people say it?
After saying sto bene, grazie, it is common and polite to follow up with E tu? (informal) or E Lei? (formal) to return the question.
Did you know?
- When you say grazie, you are using a word that is grammatically a plural noun. It originates from the Latin phrase grātiās agō, which literally means 'I do graces' to express gratitude.
- A common idiomatic way to say you are doing fine is non c'è male. This literally translates to 'there is no bad', a way of expressing a decent state of being by describing the absence of the negative.
- In some parts of Italy, people use the phrase sto forte to describe feeling great, which literally translates to 'I stay strong'.
Examples in context
- Sto bene, grazie.I am fine, thank you.
- Sto bene, grazie, e tu?I am fine, thank you, and you?
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro meet on the street.
- MartinaCiao Alessandro, come stai?Hi Alessandro, how are you?
- AlessandroSto bene, grazie. E tu, Martina?I am fine, thank you. And you, Martina?
- MartinaSto bene anche io, grazie.I am fine too, thank you.
- AlessandroBene! Allora, ci vediamo presto.Good! Well, see you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, grazie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
