fantastico
/fanˈtas.ti.ko/
The English phrase 'terrific' is translated into Italian as fantastico.
fantastico is used to describe something that is extremely good. If you want to express similar sentiments of greatness or being wonderful, you can also use grandioso (grand/magnificent), Eccellente (excellent), Incredibile (incredible), Favoloso (fabulous), Superbo (superb) or Impressionante (impressive).
Meaning: extremely good (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, fantastico must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use fantastica for feminine nouns, fantastici for masculine plural nouns and fantastiche for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /fanˈtas.ti.ko/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use terrificante to mean 'extremely good'. This is a false friend that actually means 'terrifying' or 'frightening'.
Did you know?
- To express that something is 'terrific' in a more modern or youthful way, Italians often use the slang word top. For example, they might say è il top to describe a perfect situation.
- If an Italian describes a meal as fantastico, they might accompany the word with a gesture of bringing their fingers together and moving them upward. This emphasizes the 'high quality' of the experience.
- In Italy, a common way to reinforce fantastico is by adding the prefix stra, creating stra-fantastico. This prefix is used frequently in colloquial Italian to mean 'extra' or 'super'.
Examples in context
- La tua presentazione è stata fantastica!Your presentation was terrific!
- La cena al ristorante era fantastica!The dinner at the restaurant was terrific!
- Il suo talento musicale è davvero fantastico!His musical talent is truly terrific!
- Il concerto di ieri sera è stato semplicemente stupendo!Last night's concert was simply terrific!
- Ho visto un film stupendo al cinema. Te lo consiglio!I watched a terrific movie at the cinema. I recommend it!
- Il tuo nuovo lavoro è fantastico!Your new job is terrific!
- Abbiamo passato un fine settimana fantastico.We had a terrific weekend.
- Questo film è davvero fantastico.This movie is truly terrific.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are discussing a new movie they just saw.
- ChiaraTi è piaciuto il film, Lorenzo?Did you like the movie, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoSì, è stato fantastico!Yes, it was terrific!
- ChiaraAnche a me è piaciuto molto.I liked it a lot too.
- LorenzoDobbiamo assolutamente rivederlo.We absolutely have to see it again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fantastico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
