sei bellissimo
The English phrase 'you look handsome' can be translated into Italian as sei bellissimo.
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell a man that he is very attractive. In different contexts, the Italian word figo can also be used to mean handsome, cool or stylish.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, sei bellissimo translates to 'you are very beautiful'.
Which one should you use?
While sei bello means 'you are handsome', sei bellissimo is a stronger, superlative version of the expression.
Did you know?
- If you use the word figo to call someone handsome, you are using a term that originated from the word for 'fig', though it is now strictly slang for 'cool' or 'hot'.
- The word sei descends from the Latin word sex, which was the numeral for six.
- The word bellissimo uses the suffix '-issimo', which is the standard way to turn an adjective into a superlative, meaning 'the most' or 'very'.
Examples in context
- Sei proprio bello! Hai un'aria davvero affascinante stasera!You look really handsome! You have a captivating aura tonight!
- Sei bellissimo oggi.You look handsome today.
- Con quella camicia sei bellissimo.You look handsome in that shirt.
- Senza sforzo, sei bellissimo.Effortlessly, you are handsome.
Example conversation
Sofia sees Matteo dressed up for a party.
- MatteoCiao Sofia, come sto?Hi Sofia, how do I look?
- SofiaWow, Matteo, sei bellissimo!Wow, Matteo, you look handsome!
- MatteoGrazie mille, sei molto gentile.Thank you so much, you are very kind.
- SofiaÈ vero, sei davvero elegante.It's true, you are really elegant.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bellissimo, sei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
