Which one should you use?
While molto can mean 'very' when it is an adverb, it can also mean 'much' or 'many' when it functions as an adjective. The distinction depends on whether it modifies an adjective or a noun.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb meaning 'very', molto is invariable and does not change its ending regardless of the gender or number of the adjective it modifies. However, when used as an adjective meaning 'much' or 'many', it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, taking the forms molto/a/i/e.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈmol.to/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to make the adverbial molto (meaning 'very') agree with the adjective. Instead of saying molta bella, you should use the invariable form molto bella.
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, Italians often replace molto with un sacco, which literally translates to 'a sack' of something.
- The word molto descends from a Latin root that originally meant 'crumbled' or 'crumpled'.
- In musical notation, molto is used as a direction to play a passage 'very' much in a certain style, such as molto allegro for 'very fast'.
Examples in context
- Lui è molto sexy.He's very sexy.This sentence shows how to use molto to modify an adjective.Tatoeba #1165098 by Guybrush88, translation #1671 by al_ex_an_der
- Tom è molto rude.Tom is very rude.This sentence demonstrates molto modifying an adjective.Tatoeba #2273849 by Guybrush88, translation #2273606 by CK
- Molto bene. E tu?Very well. And you?This sentence shows a common way to use molto in a response.Tatoeba #2455471 by Guybrush88, translation #2455470 by FeuDRenais2
- La pizza era molto buona.The pizza was very good.
- Sono molto contento di vederti.I'm very happy to see you.
- Ho trovato il film estremamente interessante.I found the film extremely interesting.
- Il direttore ha apprezzato particolarmente il tuo impegno.The director particularly appreciated your commitment.
- È una giornata molto calda.It's a very hot day.
- Mi sono divertito molto alla festa.I had a lot of fun at the party.
- Il tuo regalo è davvero speciale.Your gift is really special.
- È davvero così bravo a cucinare?Is he really that good at cooking?
- C'era veramente tantissima gente alla festa.There were really a lot of people at the party.
- Il gelato è molto gustoso.The ice cream is very tasty.
- Mi sento veramente bene!I feel really well!
- Hai davvero capito tutto?Did you really understand everything?
- La visita al museo è stata particolarmente interessante.The museum visit was particularly interesting.
- Era un viaggio estremamente emozionante.It was an extremely exciting trip.
- Sono davvero felice di vederti.I'm really happy to see you.
- 11945 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing a new restaurant.
- AlessandroQuesto piatto è molto buono.This dish is very good.
- SofiaSì, ma costa molto caro.Yes, but it is very expensive.
- AlessandroHai ragione, è molto costoso.You are right, it is very costly.
- SofiaAndiamo in un posto più economico.Let's go to a cheaper place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “very” translations and entries molto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries molto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
