Italy, famous for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and iconic art, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. If you find yourself captivated by the beauty around you and want to express your admiration to a native Italian speaker, knowing how to say “this is beautiful” is a must. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this sentiment in Italian, providing you with useful tips, examples, and even a glimpse into regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When addressing someone you don’t know well or in a more professional setting, it’s important to use formal language. Here are some formal ways to say “this is beautiful” in Italian:
“Questo è bellissimo.”
The expression “Questo è bellissimo” translates directly to “This is beautiful” in English. It is a simple and commonly used phrase when referring to something or someone that is visually striking.
“Questa cosa è davvero stupenda.”
If you want to emphasize that something is truly amazing or stunning, you can use the phrase “Questa cosa è davvero stupenda” which means “This thing is truly magnificent.”
Informal Expressions:
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, the use of informal language is more appropriate. Here are some informal expressions to say “this is beautiful” in Italian:
“Questa è una figata!”
“Questa è una figata!” is a colloquial way to express how beautiful something is in Italian. The word “figata” is a slang term used to convey admiration or excitement, equivalent to saying “This is awesome!” in English.
“Che meraviglia che è!”
If you want to express your awe at something beautiful, you can say “Che meraviglia che è!” which translates to “How wonderful it is!” This phrase conveys a sense of astonishment and delight.
Regional Variations:
Italy is known for its diverse regions, each with its own unique dialects and variations of the Italian language. While the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout the country, there are some regional variations worth noting:
Southern Italy:
In the southern part of Italy, particularly in Naples and surrounding areas, people often use the term “bell’o” to express that something is beautiful. For example:
“Questo è bell’o.”
Translating to “This is beautiful” in English, “bell’o” is a contraction of “bello” (beautiful) and “o” (masculine gender article) used by Neapolitans and southern Italians.
Tuscany and Central Italy:
In Tuscany and central Italy, locals commonly use the expression “Che bello” to convey admiration for something beautiful. For instance:
“Che bello questo!”
Meaning “How beautiful this is!” in English, “Che bello” is a more informal variant of the standard Italian expression, frequently used in central Italy.
Remember, these regional variations can help you connect on a deeper level with locals, but the standard Italian expressions mentioned earlier will be understood throughout the country.
Tips for Pronunciation:
Proper pronunciation is essential when expressing yourself in Italian. Here are some tips to ensure you pronounce these phrases correctly:
- Focus on pronouncing every syllable clearly. Italian is a phonetic language, so words are pronounced exactly as they are written.
- Pay attention to accent marks. Accents can change the meaning and pronunciation of a word, so be sure to place the emphasis on the correct syllable.
- Practice rolling your “R”s. Italian has a distinct rolled “R” sound, which adds authenticity to your pronunciation.
- Listen to native Italian speakers. Mimic their pronunciation and intonation to improve your own.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to confidently express your admiration for the beauty around you in Italian.
Examples:
To further illustrate the use of these expressions, here are some examples:
Formal:
“Guardi quel quadro, è bellissimo!” (Look at that painting, it is beautiful!)
Informal:
“Che meraviglia che è il tramonto!” (How wonderful the sunset is!)
Regional (Southern Italy):
“Bell’o che mare!” (How beautiful the sea is!)
Regional (Tuscany and Central Italy):
“Che bello questo panorama!” (How beautiful this view is!)
In Conclusion:
Italian is a language that beautifully expresses the admiration for all things beautiful. Whether you prefer formal or informal expressions, knowing how to say “this is beautiful” in Italian allows you to fully appreciate the captivating allure of Italy’s landscapes, art, and culture. Practice your pronunciation, explore regional variations if you wish, and immerse yourself in the warm and enchanting atmosphere that Italian beautifully embodies.
