gentilezza
/d͡ʒen.tiˈlet.t͡sa/
The English phrase 'kindness' can be translated into Italian using gentilezza or bontà.
Meaning: being kind (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| gentilezza | /d͡ʒen.tiˈlet.t͡sa/ |
| bontà | /bonˈta/ |
Italian uses different words for kindness depending on whether you are describing someone's manners or their character. Use gentilezza when referring to politeness, courtesy or being well-mannered. Use bontà when referring to a person's inner goodness, benevolence or having a kind heart.
Which one should you use?
gentilezza focuses on politeness and being well-mannered, whereas bontà focuses on a person's internal benevolence and goodness.
How does it change in a sentence?
gentilezza is a feminine noun and is used with feminine articles such as la or una. bontà is also a feminine noun, but it ends with an accented vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
/dʒen.tiˈlet.tsa/ (4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable)
Did you know?
- The word gentilezza shares the same root as the English word 'gentle', but in Italian, it also relates to the concept of 'nobility' or being part of a 'gentile' (a noble family).
- In Italian, the word bontà can describe not only a person's heart but also the quality or 'goodness' of food and wine.
- In some regional contexts, using bontà to describe someone can be slightly ironic, implying the person is 'too good' or naive to the point of being easily fooled.
Examples in context
- Amo la tua gentilezza.I love your kindness.This sentence is useful for expressing affection for someone's kindness using gentilezza.Tatoeba #13298032 by Guybrush88, translation #11788327 by Amastan
- Irradio gentilezza e calore.I radiate kindness and warmth.This sentence is useful for describing how one radiates kindness using gentilezza.Tatoeba #13199970 by Nuel, translation #13199969 by Nuel
- Grazie per la sua gentilezza.Thank you for your kindness.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for their kindness using gentilezza.Tatoeba #3260597 by Guybrush88, translation #54403 by CK
- 160 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo is thanking Giulia for her help during a difficult move.
- GiuliaTi serve altro per il trasloco?Do you need anything else for the move?
- LorenzoNo, grazie, la tua gentilezza è stata incredibile.No, thank you, your kindness was incredible.
- GiuliaNon c'è di che, sono felice di esserti stata utile.You're welcome, I'm happy to have been helpful to you.
- LorenzoSei davvero una persona speciale, Giulia.You are truly a special person, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kindness” translations and entries gentilezza, bontà, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bontà, gentilezza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
