è stato molto bello
The English phrase 'it was very good' can be translated into Italian as è stato molto bello.
This phrase is used to describe a positive experience or event in the past.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, è stato molto bello translates to 'it was very beautiful'.
Which one should you use?
While è stato molto bello is used for general experiences, you should use è stato molto buono if you are specifically referring to the taste of food or drink.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on the gender of the experience being described.
Did you know?
- The root of molto is thought to come from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'crumbled' or 'broken into pieces', implying a large quantity of small parts.
- While bello describes a great experience, using buono to describe a person's character means they are 'kind' rather than 'skilled' or 'good' at a task.
- If you describe a movie or a concert as molto buono, an Italian might think you are praising the technical quality rather than the emotional beauty of the experience.
Examples in context
- La presentazione aziendale è andata benissimo.The company presentation went very well.
- La tua festa di compleanno è stata proprio bella!Your birthday party was really nice!
- Il concerto degli U2 è stato fantastico!The U2 concert was fantastic!
- Il concerto è stato molto bello.The concert was very good.
- Il viaggio è stato molto bello.The trip was very good.
- Il film è stato molto bello.The movie was very good.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are talking about a movie they saw.
- SofiaTi è piaciuto il film, Lorenzo?Did you like the movie, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoSì, è stato molto bello.Yes, it was very good.
- SofiaAnche a me è piaciuto molto.I liked it very much too.
- LorenzoDobbiamo vederne un altro presto.We should see another one soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bello, molto, stato, è, CC BY-SA 4.0.
