stai bene
The English phrase "you look nice" is translated into Italian as stai bene.
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell someone that their current appearance or outfit is attractive.
Which one should you use?
While stai bene focuses on how someone looks in a specific context, such as a particular outfit or a haircut, the phrase sei bello/a refers to a person's inherent physical beauty.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying stai bello. English speakers often mistakenly use the adjective bello instead of the adverb bene when using this specific construction.
Did you know?
- Using stai bene is a much more subtle and polite way to compliment an outfit than saying sei bella, which can feel too intense or personal.
- The phrase stai bene literally translates to 'you are staying well', which might sound like you are talking about someone's health or general well-being.
- If you want to say someone looks nice in a specific garment, you can say ti sta bene, which shifts the subject to the clothing itself.
Examples in context
- Stai bene con i capelli corti.You look nice with your hair short.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use stai bene with a specific physical feature like hair.Tatoeba #350935 by martin, translation #282721 by CK
- Lei è elegante oggi.You look elegant today.
- Ha un aspetto gradevole stasera.You have a pleasant appearance tonight.
- È molto elegante questa sera.You are very elegant tonight.
- Sei carina con questo vestito.You look pretty in that dress.
- Stai bene con i capelli così.You look good with your hair like that.
- Sei davvero elegante.You are really elegant.
- Stai bene con quel vestito.You look nice in that dress.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are getting ready for a dinner party.
- GiuliaLorenzo, stai bene con quella camicia.Lorenzo, you look nice in that shirt.
- LorenzoGrazie, Giulia! Tu sei elegantissima.Thanks, Giulia! You look very elegant.
- GiuliaGrazie mille, sei molto gentile.Thank you so much, you are very kind.
- LorenzoSiamo pronti per uscire allora.We are ready to go out then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
