bellissimo
The Italian phrase for "very beautiful" is bellissimo.
bellissimo is used to describe someone or something that is extremely attractive or pleasing to look at.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the adjective bello (beautiful) plus the superlative suffix -issimo (very/extremely).
Which one should you use?
While bellissimo is a single-word superlative, you can also express the same meaning using the phrase molto bello.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use bellissima for feminine nouns, bellissimi for masculine plural nouns and bellissime for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- While bellissimo describes beauty, its root bello is also the basis for the word 'bella figura', a crucial social concept about making a good impression through appearance and behavior.
- The suffix -issimo can be added to almost any adjective to create a superlative, and in casual speech, Italians sometimes add it to words that are not adjectives just for emphasis.
- In Italy, bellissimo is often used as a standalone exclamation to react to something wonderful, effectively meaning 'how beautiful!' or 'wonderful!' without needing a noun.
Examples in context
- Questo fiore è bellissimo.This flower is very beautiful.This sentence shows how to use bellissimo to describe a flower.Tatoeba #389707 by Pharamp, translation #60054 by CK
- Il Giappone è un bellissimo paese.Japan is a very beautiful country.This sentence shows how to use bellissimo to describe a country.Tatoeba #383747 by Pharamp, translation #10018580 by Nylez
- Signora, devo dire che il suo abito è davvero splendido!Ma'am, I have to say that your dress is truly splendid!
- Ciao Maria, sei bellissima con quel nuovo taglio di capelli!Hi Maria, you look beautiful with that new haircut!
- Ho appena visto un tramonto stupendo sulla spiaggia!I just saw an amazingly beautiful sunset at the beach!
- Il tramonto oggi è bellissimo.The sunset today is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are walking in a park at dusk.
- ChiaraGuarda quel cielo, è bellissimo!Look at that sky, it is very beautiful!
- FrancescoHai ragione, Chiara, è uno spettacolo.You are right, Chiara, it is a spectacle.
- ChiaraMi sento molto fortunata stasera.I feel very lucky tonight.
- FrancescoAnche io, perché sei con me.Me too, because I am with you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
