qualcosa è figo
The English phrase "something is cool" is translated into Italian as qualcosa è figo.
You can also use the idiomatic expression Alla grande to signify that something is going well or cool. For exclamations, you can say Che figata! to mean "How cool!" or Che bello! to mean "How nice!"
Which one should you use?
While figo is used for 'cool' in a slang sense, bello is a more neutral and common way to say something is "nice" or "good". The noun form figata is often used as an exclamation to express that something is very cool, such as che figata, to mean "how cool / what a cool thing".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
qualcosa è figo is an informal, colloquial term and should not be used in formal writing or professional settings. In formal situations, you might use Eccellente to express that something is cool or outstanding.
Did you know?
- While figo is now common, using it can be risky because its root word figa is a vulgar term for female genitalia. Some older generations or very formal speakers may still find the term slightly crude.
- In certain parts of Italy, specifically in the south, you might hear people use pazzesco to mean 'cool', even though it literally translates to 'insane' or 'crazy'.
- While figo is a common slang for 'cool', its literal root refers to a 'handsome' or 'good-looking' person, making it a way to call an object or situation 'attractive'.
Examples in context
- Questa macchina è davvero figa!This car is really cool!
- La festa di ieri sera è stata fantastica!Last night's party was fantastic!
- La spiaggia era davvero bella!The beach was really cool/nice!
Example conversation
Francesco shows Chiara his new smartphone.
- FrancescoGuarda il mio nuovo telefono!Look at my new phone!
- ChiaraWow, qualcosa è figo qui!Wow, something is cool here!
- FrancescoSì, ha una fotocamera incredibile.Yes, it has an incredible camera.
- ChiaraLo voglio anche io.I want one too.
