sembra fantastico
In Italian, 'sounds great' is said as sembra fantastico.
The expression is used to show that you agree with a suggestion or think a plan is a good idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sembra fantastico literally translates to 'it seems fantastic' because sembra is the third-person singular of the verb sembrare (to seem).
Which one should you use?
Use sembra fantastico for enthusiastic agreement with a plan, whereas sembra buono is more commonly used to describe the literal taste of food or a specific quality.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to say 'sounds great', you can use Sembra ottimo (it sounds excellent). In informal situations, you might say È fantastico (it's fantastic), È super (it's super) or va benissimo (that's perfectly fine).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say 'that sounds like a great idea', you can use sembra un'ottima idea.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the verb sembrare (to seem) is used for sounds, looks, and feelings. Unlike English, which specifies 'sounds great' or 'looks great', Italian uses one word to cover all sensory impressions of a plan.
- If you are responding to a social invitation, an Italian might skip sembra fantastico entirely and simply say Grande!, which functions like saying 'Great!' or 'Awesome!' in English.
- The word fantastico shares the same ancient root as 'fantasy' and 'phantom'. In its earliest forms, it described things that were imaginary or existed only in the mind rather than being 'great'.
Examples in context
- È perfetto! Non vedo l'ora di assaggiare la cucina italiana.Sounds perfect! I can't wait to taste Italian cuisine.
- Sembra ottimo! Sarà sicuramente un successo.Sounds excellent! It will surely be a success.
- Sembra fantastico, andiamo al mare!Sounds great, let's go to the seaside!
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are deciding what to do on Saturday.
- MatteoSofia, che ne dici di un concerto domani?Sofia, what do you think about a concert tomorrow?
- SofiaSembra fantastico, Matteo!Sounds great, Matteo!
- MatteoPossiamo prendere il treno alle otto.We can take the train at eight.
- SofiaPerfetto, mi piace l'idea.Perfect, I like the idea.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fantastico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
