sei fantastico
/ˈsɛj fanˈtas.ti.ko/word by word
The English phrase "you're amazing" is translated into Italian as sei fantastico, the default form.
This expression is used to tell someone that they are wonderful or impressive.
Which one should you use?
While sei fantastico is a standard way to express this, you can also use sei incredibile to say "you're incredible" or sei fenomenale to convey overwhelming admiration. Lei è notevole is an alternative used to express that someone is outstanding or remarkable.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use sei fantastica when speaking to a woman, and use siete fantastici when addressing a group of people. If you choose to follow the adjective with a noun, you must add the indefinite article, such as in sei un fantastico amico (you're a fantastic friend).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsɛj fanˈtas.ti.ko/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While sei fantastico is common, using the word superbo to mean 'amazing' can be risky, as it often carries the connotation of being 'arrogant' or 'haughty' in Italian.
- The word fantastico shares its roots with the English word 'fantasy' and the Greek word for 'appearance', originally suggesting something that exists only in the imagination.
- The phrase sei un mito is a popular, informal way to tell someone they are 'the best' or 'amazing', much like calling someone a 'legend' in English.
Examples in context
- Sei fantastico, grazie mille!You're amazing, thanks a lot!
- Per quanto riguarda il tuo lavoro, sei fantastico.Regarding your work, you're amazing.
- Senza di te non ce la farei, sei fantastico.I couldn't do it without you, you're amazing.
Example conversation
Lorenzo helped Martina move some heavy boxes.
- LorenzoEcco l'ultima scatola, Martina.Here is the last box, Martina.
- MartinaGrazie mille, sei fantastico!Thanks a lot, you're amazing!
- LorenzoNon è nulla, figurati.It's nothing, don't mention it.
- MartinaSei stato davvero gentile.You were really kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sei, fantastico) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fantastico, sei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
