beh
/ˈbɛ/
In Italian, the word for the English interjection "well" is beh.
The interjection beh is used to express hesitation, resignation or to introduce a statement, performing a similar function to the English "well".
Meaning: in good health (adj)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish beh from bene. While beh is an interjection used to start a sentence or express a reaction, bene is the adverb meaning "well" in the sense of doing something in a good manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The spelling beh is a phonetic representation of the interjection and is considered informal or colloquial.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɛ/
Did you know?
- The word bene is the root of the English prefix 'bene-', found in words like 'beneficial' and 'benevolent'.
- Italian speakers often pair beh with a shrug or a particular hand gesture to emphasize resignation without saying another word.
- The interjection beh is actually a 'clipped' version of the adverb bene, which has been shortened over time in casual speech.
Examples in context
- Beh, non lo so.Well, I don't know.This example shows how to use beh to introduce a statement of uncertainty.Tatoeba #10905153 by Guybrush88, translation #10904836 by CM
- Beh, a più tardi.Well, see you later.This example shows how to use beh when saying goodbye.Tatoeba #3050280 by Guybrush88, translation #39363 by CM
- Beh, è ovvio ora.Well, it's obvious now.This example shows how to use beh to introduce a statement of fact.Tatoeba #6763402 by Guybrush88, translation #3737022 by CK
- Mi sento bene oggi.I feel well today.
- Sto bene!I'm well!
- 269 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are catching up over coffee.
- AlessandroCome stai, Chiara? Tutto beh?How are you, Chiara? Everything well?
- ChiaraSì, sto beh, grazie per averlo chiesto.Yes, I am well, thanks for asking.
- AlessandroMi fa piacere che tu stia beh.I am glad that you are well.
- ChiaraAnche tu sembri molto beh oggi!You seem very well today too!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry beh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
