Il cibo è ottimo
The English phrase 'the food is great' is translated into Italian as Il cibo è ottimo.
Another way to express that food is exceptionally good is to use the adjective squisito in the phrase Il cibo è squisito.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Il cibo è ottimo is composed of Il (the), cibo (food), è (is) and ottimo (great/excellent).
Which one should you use?
While Il cibo è buono means 'the food is good', the word ottimo implies a higher level of quality or excellence than buono.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because cibo is a masculine noun, the adjective must be the masculine form ottimo rather than the feminine ottima.
Did you know?
- In Italy, praising the food is often accompanied by a gesture where the fingertips are gathered together and bounced up and down. This gesture, combined with ottimo, emphasizes a high quality of flavor.
- The word cibo is a direct borrowing from the Latin 'cibus'. In contrast, the Spanish and Portuguese words derived from the same root, cebo and cevo, changed meaning to mean 'bait'.
- The Italian word for food, cibo, is a general term. When referring specifically to a meal or the act of eating, Italians more frequently use the word pasto.
Examples in context
- Il cibo è ottimo.The food is great.Tatoeba #11869849 by Guybrush88, translation #8045464 by CK
- Il cibo è ottimo in questo ristorante.The food is great in this restaurant.
- Grazie, il cibo è ottimo oggi.Thanks, the food is great today.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are eating at a new restaurant.
- GiuliaTi piace questo posto, Lorenzo?Do you like this place, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoSì, il cibo è ottimo!Yes, the food is great!
- GiuliaSono d'accordo, è delizioso.I agree, it is delicious.
- LorenzoTorniamo qui presto.Let's come back here soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cibo, il, ottimo, è, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
