era buonissimo
The Italian phrase for "it was delicious" is era buonissimo.
This phrase is used to compliment a meal after you have finished eating it. If you wish to compliment an entire multi-course meal, you can say Era tutto buonissimo (Everything was delicious). To describe specific textures, you might use cremoso for creamy or tenero for tender.
Meaning: phrase said to compliment a meal after eating it (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of era, which is the imperfect tense of the verb "to be" and buonissimo, which is the superlative form of "good". Literally, it means "it was very good".
Which one should you use?
While era buono means "it was good", era buonissimo is the more common way to express that a meal was truly delicious or excellent.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are still eating and want to say "it is delicious", use the present tense è buonissimo instead of the past tense era buonissimo.
Did you know?
- If a dish is so delicious that it is practically 'heavenly', an Italian might use the expression da leccarsi i baffi, which means 'to lick one's whiskers'.
- In Italy, you might accompany a phrase like era buonissimo with a gesture called the 'finger purse', where fingertips are bunched together and moved up and down.
- In Italy, praising a meal with Era buonissimo is often seen as a way to honor the host's hospitality, making it more of a social ritual than a simple comment on flavor.
Examples in context
- Il tartufo era deliziosoThe truffle was delicious
- Il risotto era buonissimo.The risotto was delicious.
- Grazie, era buonissimo!Thank you, it was delicious!
- Quel dolce era buonissimo.That dessert was delicious.
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are finishing a dinner at home.
- ChiaraTi è piaciuta la cena, Alessandro?Did you like the dinner, Alessandro?
- AlessandroSì, era buonissimo!Yes, it was delicious!
- ChiaraSono felice che ti sia piaciuta.I am happy that you liked it.
- AlessandroComplimenti a te, Chiara.Compliments to you, Chiara.
