hai degli occhi bellissimi
The English phrase 'your eyes are beautiful' can be expressed in Italian as hai degli occhi bellissimi.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that their eyes are attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'you have some very beautiful eyes'. The word hai means 'you have', and bellissimi means 'very beautiful' or 'extremely beautiful'.
Which one should you use?
While you might say hai degli occhi belli to mean 'you have beautiful eyes', using the form hai degli occhi bellissimi adds much more emphasis and intensity to the compliment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form bellissimi is the absolute superlative of 'belli', which is why it functions as 'very beautiful' in this context.
Did you know?
- In Italy, giving a direct compliment about physical features like eyes is often seen as a flirtatious 'approach' rather than a platonic observation.
- Italian has no single word for 'hazel' eyes, so people usually describe them as occhi nocciola, which literally means 'nut-colored' eyes.
- The absolute superlative suffix -issimo in bellissimi is so common that Italians often use it for things that are not actually beautiful to create irony or sarcasm.
Examples in context
- Hai degli occhi bellissimi.You have beautiful eyes.
- Sinceramente, hai degli occhi bellissimi.Honestly, you have beautiful eyes.
- Lo sai che hai degli occhi bellissimi?Do you know that you have beautiful eyes?
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are having coffee in a cafe.
- FrancescoSofia, hai degli occhi bellissimi oggi.Sofia, you have beautiful eyes today.
- SofiaGrazie mille, Francesco! Sei molto gentile.Thanks a lot, Francesco! You are very kind.
- FrancescoDico sul serio, sono stupendi.I am serious, they are stunning.
- SofiaMi fai arrossire!You're making me blush!
