è stato fantastico
The English phrase "it was great" is translated into Italian as è stato fantastico.
This phrase is used to describe a past experience or event as being very enjoyable.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender with the subject being described. Use è stato fantastico for masculine subjects and è stata fantastica for feminine subjects.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using è stato grande to mean "it was great" in the sense of wonderful. In Italian, grande usually refers to physical size or importance rather than being a descriptor for an enjoyable experience.
Did you know?
- While fantastico means 'great' today, its root in Ancient Greek referred to things that were 'imaginary' or 'illusory'.
- The word stato is a linguistic double, as it serves as both the past participle of 'to be' and the noun for 'state' or 'nation'.
- Depending on the region, some Italians might replace fantastico with stupendo to express that something was 'great' in a more aesthetically beautiful way.
Examples in context
- È stato fantastico condividere questa esperienza con te.It was great sharing this experience with you.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of è stato fantastico.Tatoeba #13910078 by Nuel, translation #13910076 by Nuel
- La presentazione di ieri sera è stata magnifica! Grazie per l'ottimo lavoro.Last night's presentation was magnificent! Thank you for the excellent work.
- Il servizio al ristorante è stato eccezionale. Complimenti allo chef!The service at the restaurant was exceptional. Congratulations to the chef!
- La mia visita a Firenze è stata un'esperienza fantastica. Non vedo l'ora di tornarci!My visit to Florence was a fantastic experience. I can't wait to go back!
- Il concerto di ieri sera è stato stupendo! Non ho mai visto niente di simile.Last night's concert was amazing! I've never seen anything like it.
- La festa di compleanno è stata spettacolare. Ci siamo divertiti tantissimo!The birthday party was spectacular. We had so much fun!
- Quel regalo che hai scelto è stato un colpo da maestro. Era perfetto!That gift you chose was a masterstroke. It was perfect!
- Il concerto è stato fantastico.The concert was great.
- Il viaggio è stato fantastico.The trip was great.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are talking about a party they attended.
- ChiaraTi è piaciuta la festa di sabato?Did you like the party on Saturday?
- LorenzoSì, è stato fantastico!Yes, it was great!
- ChiaraAnche a me è piaciuto molto.I liked it a lot too.
- LorenzoDobbiamo organizzarne un'altra presto.We should organize another one soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fantastico, stato, è, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
