Il pasto era delizioso
/il ˈpas.to ˈɛ.ra de.litˈt͡sjo.zo/word by word
The English phrase "the meal was delicious" is translated into Italian as Il pasto era delizioso.
While you can use the literal translation, in a natural social setting, Italians are more likely to say Era tutto buonissimo (Everything was very good) to compliment a host.
Which one should you use?
Use Il pasto è stato delizioso instead of Il pasto era delizioso if you are referring to a specific, completed meal (like a dinner that just finished) rather than describing a continuous state in the past.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To sound more elegant or sophisticated when complimenting a meal, you can use Il pasto era squisito instead of delizioso. Additionally, La cena è stata eccezionalmente deliziosa! is a formal way to say the dinner was exceptionally delicious.
Did you know?
- The word pasto shares its roots with the English word 'pasture', as both stem from the Latin 'pāstus', which refers to food or grazing.
- The use of the suffix -issimo in buonissimo is a superlative. It transforms the word for 'good' into 'very good' or 'great' without needing an extra adverb.
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are leaving a restaurant.
- ChiaraTi è piaciuta la cena, Alessandro?Did you enjoy the dinner, Alessandro?
- AlessandroSì, il pasto era delizioso!Yes, the meal was delicious!
- ChiaraAnche a me è piaciuto molto.I liked it very much too.
- AlessandroTorniamo qui presto.Let's come back here soon.
