What does it mean word for word?
The phrase va bene literally means "it goes well", composed of the verb andare (to go) in the third-person singular and the adverb bene (well).
Which one should you use?
While va bene is used to agree to a plan, adding così to create va bene così shifts the meaning to "it's fine like this" (for example, if someone asks if you want more salt).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Va bene is commonly used in informal contexts among friends. For a more formal and polite way to convey approval, you can say Mi sembra ottimo ("It seems excellent"). In very informal settings, the English loanword Okay is also widely used in Italy.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are agreeing to multiple suggestions or items, you should use the plural form vanno bene.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ˌva‿bˈbɛ.ne/.
When do people say it?
To express more enthusiasm than a simple "sounds good", you can use the informal phrase va benissimo (sounds great) or use Mi sembra perfetto! to emphasize that something sounds excellent or perfect.
Did you know?
- In Italy, a quick nod of the head often accompanies va bene, but a sharp, single upward flick of the head can actually mean 'no' or 'I don't think so'.
- If an Italian speaker repeats the phrase as va bene, va bene, it often suggests they are impatient and want the other person to stop talking.
- The word bene in va bene is a direct descendant of the Latin word bene, which is also the root of English words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent'.
Examples in context
- Va bene, ci vediamo alle otto.Sounds good, see you at eight.
- Se l'appuntamento è domani, va bene.If the appointment is tomorrow, that sounds good.
- Va bene, ordiniamo una pizza.Sounds good, let's order a pizza.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are deciding on a place for dinner.
- FrancescoTi va di andare in quel ristorante nuovo?Do you want to go to that new restaurant?
- ChiaraSì, va bene, mi piace l'idea.Yes, sounds good, I like the idea.
- FrancescoAllora prenoto un tavolo per stasera?So, shall I book a table for tonight?
- ChiaraSì, Francesco, perfetto.Yes, Francesco, perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry va bene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, va, CC BY-SA 4.0.
