Sei bello
/ˈsɛj ˈbɛl.lo/word by word
The Italian phrase for "you're handsome" is Sei bello.
Sei bello is a compliment used to tell a man that he is physically attractive. You can use different variations to adjust the intensity or tone of the compliment. For example, Sei bellissimo means "You are very handsome", while Sei proprio bello expresses that "You are really handsome". For a softer or sweeter tone, Sei davvero carino can be used to mean "You are really cute/handsome".
Which one should you use?
While Sei bello focuses on physical attractiveness, using the phrase Sei carino would instead mean "You are cute", which carries a different connotation of being charming or sweet. If you wish to use slang to say "You're a cool guy/handsome", you can use Sei un figo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is gender-sensitive. To say "you're beautiful" to a woman, change the masculine adjective bello to the feminine bella, resulting in Sei bella.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase has 3 syllables. The stress is on the 1st syllable: /ˈsɛj ˈbɛl.lo/.
Did you know?
- The slang term figo comes from the word for 'fig'. In Italian culture, calling someone un figo is similar to calling them 'cool' or 'a hottie'.
- The word bello is part of the concept of bella figura, which is the cultural principle of 'making a good impression' through appearance and behavior.
- The word bello can also be used to describe an unpleasant or 'nasty' situation, such as a 'bella figura' gone wrong or a 'bel pasticcio', depending on the irony used.
Examples in context
- Sei bello.You're handsome.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase Sei bello.Tatoeba #622127 by Guybrush88, translation #2202931 by CK
- Sei bello con quella camicia bianca.You are handsome in that white shirt.
- Lo sai che sei bello, vero?You know you are handsome, right?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are getting ready for a party.
- MartinaFrancesco, sei bello con quella camicia!Francesco, you're handsome in that shirt!
- FrancescoGrazie, Martina! Sei molto gentile.Thanks, Martina! You are very kind.
- MartinaDico sul serio, sei bello davvero.I mean it, you're truly handsome.
- FrancescoOra mi fai arrossire!Now you're making me blush!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sei, bello) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
