How to Say "You're Good" in Italian

sei bravo

/ˈsɛj ˈbra.vo/word by word

In Italian, 'you're good' is expressed as sei bravo.

This phrase is used to tell someone that they are skilled or talented at a particular activity. To express that someone is good at a specific activity, use the preposition a followed by the activity, such as sei bravo a cucinare (you're good at cooking). In colloquial speech, you can also say sei forte (literally 'you're strong') to mean someone is skilled. For even higher praise of exceptional talent, the informal expression sei un asso (you're an ace) can be used.

Which one should you use?

In this context, the word bravo specifically refers to being skilled or talented. This is distinct from the word buono, which refers to being a good person in a moral or kind sense. While sei bravo is the standard way to express this, you can also use the colloquial sei forte to convey the same meaning.

How does it change in a sentence?

The form changes depending on who you are addressing. Use sei bravo when speaking to a male and sei brava when speaking to a female. If you are speaking to more than one person, use the plural form siete bravi.

How do you pronounce it?

The pronunciation is /ˈsɛj ˈbra.vo/. It has three syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.

When do people say it?

When receiving praise, a common way to respond with modesty is to say Grazie, ma non è niente di speciale (Thank you, but it's nothing special).

Did you know?

The word bravo may have evolved from a fusion of the Latin words prāvus and barbarus.
In a theatrical context, shouting bravo is a way to praise a performer's skill, though it changes to brava for a woman and bravi for a group.

Examples in context

Sei bravo a tennis.
You're good at tennis.
This sentence is useful for stating that someone is good at a specific sport, specifically tennis, using the form sei bravo.
Tatoeba #13302436 by Guybrush88, translation #6272112 by CK
Sei bravo a tennis, vero?
You're good at tennis, aren't you?
This sentence is useful for asking for confirmation that someone is good at tennis using the form sei bravo.
Tatoeba #6902256 by Guybrush88, translation #6898725 by CK
Sei bravo in questo, vero?
You're good at this, aren't you?
This sentence is useful for asking for confirmation that someone is good at a specific thing using the form sei bravo.
Tatoeba #6965500 by Guybrush88, translation #2541140 by CK
7 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Lorenzo is playing a song on the guitar for Martina.

Martina

Sei bravo, Lorenzo!
You're good, Lorenzo!
Lorenzo

Grazie, Martina.
Thanks, Martina.
Martina

Suoni davvero bene.
You play really well.
Lorenzo

Grazie mille per il complimento.
Thank you so much for the compliment.

Sources

IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sei, bravo) and can differ in connected speech.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries bravo, sei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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How to Say “You’re Good” in Italian