benissimo
The English phrase "very well" can be translated into Italian as benissimo.
benissimo is an interjection. It adds an intensive layer to the standard adverb bene (well), meaning "extremely well" or "very well".
Meaning: interjection (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word benissimo is formed by the adverb bene (well) and the superlative suffix -issimo, which means "very" or "extremely".
Which one should you use?
While bene means "well", benissimo adds an intensive layer meaning "very well" or "extremely well".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, benissimo is invariable and does not change its form to agree with gender or number.
Did you know?
- While benissimo means 'very well', Italians often use it sarcastically to mean the exact opposite when something has gone terribly wrong.
- The word benissimo is a cousin to the English word 'benign', as both derive from the Latin root for 'well' or 'good'.
- Italian allows the use of benissimo as a standalone exclamation to express agreement, similar to saying 'perfect' or 'great' in English.
Examples in context
- Non sto proprio benissimo.I'm really not very well.This sentence is useful for expressing that one is not feeling very well using benissimo.Tatoeba #2706766 by Guybrush88, translation #2545307 by CK
- Sai benissimo che sono sveglio.You know very well that I'm awake.This sentence shows how to use benissimo to emphasize knowledge.Tatoeba #11594999 by Nuel, translation #11594997 by Nuel
- Il poliziotto ha fatto benissimo!The policeman has done very well.This sentence demonstrates using benissimo to describe an action performed well.Tatoeba #3764396 by Guybrush88, translation #3764401 by Eldad
- Mi sento molto bene, grazie.I feel very well, thank you.
- La presentazione è andata a meraviglia.The presentation went very well.
- Stamattina mi sono alzato benone.This morning I woke up feeling great.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are meeting at a cafe.
- ChiaraCiao Francesco! Come stai?Hi Francesco! How are you?
- FrancescoBenissimo, e tu?Very well, and you?
- ChiaraTutto a posto, grazie.Everything is fine, thanks.
- FrancescoSono contento che vada benissimo.I am glad that it is going very well.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
