molto bene
/ˈmol.to ˈbɛ.ne/word by word
The Italian phrase for very good is molto bene.
molto bene is used to describe a positive state of being or a high quality of performance.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between molto bene and molto buono. Use molto bene to describe how an action is performed or how one feels, but use molto buono to describe the quality of a noun, such as food or a person's character.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase molto bene functions as an adverbial phrase. This is why it is used to describe verbs or states of being rather than nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmol.to ˈbɛ.ne/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use molto bene to describe a noun (e.g., 'a very good coffee'), but in Italian, you must use the adjective molto buono for that purpose.
Did you know?
- The word molto shares an ancient root with the English word 'mull', which relates to something being crumbled or ground down.
- Italian has a separate word, benissimo, which functions as a single-word equivalent to molto bene and is often used for stronger emphasis.
- Using molto bene as a standalone exclamation can sometimes sound slightly formal or teacher-like, similar to saying 'very good' to a student in English.
Examples in context
- Mi sento molto bene.I feel very good.This sentence shows how to use molto bene to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #5403518 by Guybrush88, translation #736696 by Darkmaster
- Molto bene. Come sta?Very good. How are you?This sentence shows molto bene being used as a response or an exclamation.Tatoeba #5077124 by Guybrush88, translation #464310 by lukaszpp
- Tom non mente molto bene.Tom is not a very good liar.This sentence shows how molto bene describes the manner in which an action is performed.Tatoeba #5556689 by Guybrush88, translation #3163251 by Hybrid
- La tua presentazione è stata ottima.Your presentation was excellent.
- Hai fatto un lavoro eccellente!You've done an excellent job!
- La festa è stata fantastica!The party was fantastic!
- La pizza è buona da morire!The pizza is good enough to die for!
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are catching up after a long time.
- MartinaCiao Lorenzo, come stai?Hi Lorenzo, how are you?
- LorenzoSto molto bene, e tu Martina?I am doing very well, and you Martina?
- MartinaAnch'io sto molto bene.I am also doing very well.
- LorenzoSono felice di sentirtelo dire.I am happy to hear that.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (molto, bene) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bene, molto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
