felicissimo
The English phrase 'overjoyed' is translated into Italian as felicissimo.
You can use felicissimo to convey a high intensity of happiness. If you want to express being overwhelmed with joy informally, you can say Sono fuori di me dalla gioia (I am beside myself with joy). Other informal ways to express high euphoria or happiness include Sono al settimo cielo (I am on the seventh heaven) or Mi fa saltare di gioia (it makes me jump for joy). For a more formal way to convey deep happiness, use Mi riempie di gioia (it fills me with joy).
What does it mean word for word?
The word felicissimo is formed by the adjective felice (happy) and the superlative suffix -issimo (very or extremely), meaning 'very happy'.
Which one should you use?
While felice is the standard way to say 'happy', felicissimo is used to convey the higher intensity of 'overjoyed'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Milanese dialect, you can say Son fòra de mi da la gioia to mean 'I am outside of myself from joy'. In the Neapolitan dialect, So' 'ngopp' 'o munno means 'I'm on top of the world'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on the gender and number of the subject: use felicissima to describe a female subject, felicissimi for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and felicissime to describe a group of only women.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the superlative suffix -issimo can be stacked in very informal speech to amplify joy even further, such as saying felicissimissimo.
- While felicissimo describes a high state of joy, Italians use the word contento for a more stable, peaceful kind of happiness. Using felicissimo suggests a peak emotion rather than a general state of life satisfaction.
- Italian uses the word gioia for 'joy', which is a cognate of the English word 'joy'. Both descend from the Latin gaudia.
Examples in context
- Fui felicissimo quando potei fare amicizia con lei!I was overjoyed when I was able to make friends with her!This sentence shows how to express being overjoyed when making a new friend using felicissimo.Tatoeba #12757919 by Guybrush88, translation #329303 by fcbond
- Tom è felicissimo.Tom is overjoyed.This sentence uses felicissimo to describe Tom's state.Tatoeba #2524616 by Guybrush88, translation #2236800 by CK
- Sono felicissimo.I am overjoyed.This sentence uses felicissimo to express one's own state of being overjoyed.Tatoeba #8934022 by carlosalberto, translation #8933982 by carlosalberto
- Sono entusiasta di ricevere questa promozione!I am overjoyed to receive this promotion!
- Sono felicissimo/felicissima di vedere i miei sogni avverarsi.I am overjoyed to see my dreams come true.
- Questa notizia mi riempie di gioia.This news fills me with joy.
- Sono al settimo cielo per l'arrivo del nuovo membro della famiglia.I am overjoyed by the arrival of the new family member.
- Ricevere un regalo così speciale mi fa saltare di gioia.Receiving such a special gift makes me jump for joy.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia tells Francesco the news about her promotion.
- GiuliaFrancesco, ho ottenuto la promozione!Francesco, I got the promotion!
- FrancescoDavvero? Sono felicissimo per te, Giulia!Really? I am overjoyed for you, Giulia!
- GiuliaGrazie, sono davvero entusiasta.Thank you, I am truly excited.
- FrancescoDobbiamo assolutamente festeggiare stasera!We must absolutely celebrate tonight!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
