molto bella
/ˈmol.to ˈbɛl.la/word by word
The Italian phrase for "very pretty" is molto bella.
molto bella is used to describe someone or something that is highly attractive in appearance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. The word molto acts as an adverb and does not change its ending to match the gender or number of the adjective. Use molto bello for a man or a masculine noun (masculine singular), molto bella for a woman or a feminine noun (feminine singular), molto belli for a group of men or a mixed-gender group (masculine plural) and molto belle for a group of women or feminine objects (feminine plural).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmol.to ˈbɛl.la/. It has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word molto is derived from the Latin multus, which originally came from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'crumbled' or 'crumpled'.
- The phrase bella can be used ironically in the expression bella mazzata, which actually refers to a 'heavy blow' or a 'stinging defeat'.
- When Italians want to say something is 'extremely' pretty, they often use bellissima instead of molto bella, using a suffix called the absolute superlative.
Examples in context
- Mary è molto bella, vero?Mary is very pretty, isn't she?This sentence is useful for using molto bella to describe a person.Tatoeba #6089616 by Guybrush88, translation #3416970 by CK
- Quella tastiera è molto bella.That keyboard is very pretty.This sentence is useful for using molto bella to describe an object.Tatoeba #11225357 by Guybrush88, translation #9634654 by abburns
- La mia città natale è molto bella.My hometown is very pretty.This sentence is useful for using molto bella to describe a place.Tatoeba #636648 by bruno_b, translation #474080 by CM
- Ciao Maria! Sei davvero incantevole oggi.Hello Maria! You look truly enchanting today.
- Caro amico, tua sorella è davvero stupenda!Dear friend, your sister is really stunning!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are looking at a painting in an art gallery.
- AlessandroGuarda questa opera, Chiara.Look at this work, Chiara.
- ChiaraSì, è molto bella.Yes, it is very pretty.
- AlessandroSei d'accordo con me?Do you agree with me?
- ChiaraCertamente, Alessandro.Certainly, Alessandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (molto, bella) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bella, molto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
