tutto bene?
/ˈtut.to ˈbɛ.ne/word by word
The English phrase "is everything okay?" is translated into Italian as tutto bene?
tutto bene? is a question used to ask if someone is doing well or if a situation is satisfactory.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "everything well?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To answer the question with a positive statement, you can simply say Tutto bene without the question mark.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈtut.to ˈbɛ.ne/. The stress is on the 1st of 4 syllables.
When do people say it?
A common and polite way to respond to tutto bene? is Tutto bene, grazie.
Did you know?
- If someone asks tutto bene? and you are not doing well, a common understated response is si tira avanti, which means 'one pulls oneself forward'.
- In many parts of Italy, you can respond to tutto bene? with a simple upward flick of the chin or a slight nod to signal 'yes' without even speaking.
- The word tutto shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'total', both tracing back to the same concept of 'the whole'.
Examples in context
- Tutto bene?Is everything okay?
- Hai un aspetto strano, tutto bene?You look strange, is everything okay?
Example conversation
Lorenzo sees Giulia looking a bit worried at a cafe.
- LorenzoGiulia, tutto bene?Giulia, is everything okay?
- GiuliaSì, grazie, sono solo stanca.Yes, thanks, I am just tired.
- LorenzoVuoi un caffè o un tè?Do you want a coffee or a tea?
- GiuliaUn caffè sarebbe perfetto, grazie.A coffee would be perfect, thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (tutto, bene) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, tutto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
