Sei bellissima
The English phrase "you look gorgeous" can be said in Italian as Sei bellissima.
While the English expression often implies a temporary state, the Italian Sei bellissima is more direct and carries a feeling of permanence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes its ending based on the gender of the person you are addressing. Use the feminine ending Sei bellissima when speaking to a woman, and change the ending to the masculine Sei bellissimo if you are speaking to a man.
Did you know?
- While bellissimo means 'very beautiful', it can be used sarcastically to describe a disaster or a huge mistake, such as a bellissimo pasticcio.
- The word bella is so central to Italian identity that the 'La Bella Figura' concept governs not just looks but how one carries oneself and behaves in public.
- While bellissima is a high compliment, using it too frequently in a casual setting might be perceived as 'flattery' or even 'seduction' rather than a simple observation of beauty.
Examples in context
- Lei è bellissima staseraYou look beautiful tonight
- Sei stupenda oggiYou look gorgeous today
- Sei davvero splendida staseraYou are truly splendid tonight
- Sei bellissima con quel vestito rosso.You look gorgeous in that red dress.
- Stasera sei bellissima, davvero.You look gorgeous tonight, really.
- Sei bellissima con i capelli sciolti.You look gorgeous with your hair down.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are getting ready for a dinner date.
- FrancescoGiulia, sei bellissima.Giulia, you look gorgeous.
- GiuliaGrazie, Francesco! Sei molto gentile.Thank you, Francesco! You are very kind.
- FrancescoTi sta davvero bene questo abito.This dress really suits you.
- GiuliaSono felice che ti piaccia.I am happy that you like it.
