So you want to know how to say very good in Italian language? Let me tell you, it’s not as straightforward as some apps make it seem. I learned this the hard way during my first trip to Rome. I kept saying "molto bene" to everything – the pizza, the Colosseum, even when someone gave me directions. An old lady finally chuckled and said, "Figlio mio, we don’t talk like robots here." Ouch. That’s when I realized there’s a whole world beyond textbook phrases. Getting this right isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about sounding human.
Why "Molto Bene" Isn’t Always Your Best Bet
Most beginners grab "molto bene" (pronounced MOHL-toh BEH-neh) as their go-to phrase. And sure, it literally translates to "very good." But here’s the catch: Italians use it differently than English speakers use "very good."
Think about it. In English, you might say "very good" for:
- A decent cup of coffee ("This is very good!")
- Your kid’s drawing ("Wow, very good job!")
- A work presentation ("Your report was very good")
In Italian? Molto bene mainly describes actions or states. If someone asks "Come stai?" (How are you?), "Molto bene" is perfect. If you finished a task well? "Molto bene!" nails it. But walk into a bakery and call a croissant "molto bene"? That’ll get you puzzled looks.
Why? Because food, objects, and experiences usually need "buono" (good) instead. So for that incredible cannoli, you’d say "È molto buono!" (eh MOHL-toh BWOH-noh). Mess this up, and you sound like my cousin who tried to compliment a Bolognese chef by saying "La tua vita è molto bene!" (Your life is very good!). The chef stared blankly. Awkward.
When Italians Actually Use "Molto Bene"
To save you from similar embarrassment, here’s a quick reference:
| Situation |
Correct Phrase |
Why It Works |
| Someone's health or mood |
"Stai molto bene?" (Are you very well?) |
"Bene" describes state of being |
| Performance (sports, work) |
"Hai giocato molto bene!" (You played very well!) |
Refers to how an action was executed |
| General well-being |
"Tutto molto bene" (All very well) |
Idiomatic for "everything's fine" |
| Tasting food (⚠️ common mistake) |
NOT "molto bene" → Use "molto buono" |
Food quality requires "buono" |
Pro Tip: In southern Italy, you’ll hear "benissimo!" (beh-NEES-see-moh) even more than "molto bene." It’s like upgrading from "very good" to "great!" – more enthusiastic, less formal.
Level Up Your Compliments: 15 Ways to Say "Very Good"
If you really want to nail very good in Italian language, you need alternatives. Relying solely on "molto bene" is like eating pasta with ketchup – technically possible, but why? Here’s my curated list from living in Florence:
For Food & Drinks (The Most Important Category!)
Italians don’t play around with food praise. Generic compliments insult them. Use these instead:
- È squisito! (eh skwee-ZEE-toh) – "It’s exquisite!" (Reserve for Michelin-level dishes)
- È una delizia! (eh OO-nah deh-LEE-tsyah) – "It’s a delight!" (Perfect for desserts)
- È eccezionale! (eh eh-cheh-tsyoh-NAH-leh) – "Exceptional!" (When blown away)
- È da urlo! (eh dah OOR-loh) – Slang for "screamingly good!" (Use with friends)
Fun story: I once told a Sicilian baker her ricotta cake was "buono." She frowned. Changed to "squisito!" and got a free cannoli. Moral? Specificity pays.
For Places & Experiences
Calling Venice "molto bene" is criminal. Try these:
| Phrase |
Best For |
Intensity Level |
| Meraviglioso! (meh-rah-vee-LYOH-soh) |
Landscapes, art |
★★★★★ (Breathtaking) |
| Incredibile! (een-kreh-DEE-bee-leh) |
Unexpected wonders |
★★★★☆ |
| Fantastico! (fahn-TAH-stee-koh) |
Fun experiences |
★★★☆☆ |
| Niente male! (NYEN-teh MAH-leh) |
Understated approval ("Not bad!") |
★★☆☆☆ |
For People & Achievements
Complimenting someone? Go beyond "molto bene":
- Sei un fenomeno! (SEH-ee oon feh-NOH-meh-noh) – "You’re a phenomenon!" (For superstars)
- Bravo/Brava/Bravi! (BRAH-voh/BRAH-vah/BRAH-vee) – Gender-specific "well done!" (Claps after performances)
- Complimenti vivissimi! (kom-plee-MEN-tee vee-VEES-see-mee) – "Warmest congratulations!" (Formal occasions)
Pronunciation Pitfalls: Don’t Sound Like a Tourist
Italian pronunciation can trip you up. I butchered "ottimo" (OHT-tee-moh) as "oh-TEE-mo" for months until a barista corrected me. Key things:
- Double consonants are explosive: Pause slightly between syllables (e.g., "squisito" = skwee-ZEE-toh, not skwee-ZEE-to)
- Roll your R’s lightly: Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth (No need for dramatic trills!)
- Vowels are pure: No diphthongs like English. "Eccellente" is eh-cheh-LEN-teh, not "ex-cell-ent"
Very good in Italian language demands good pronunciation. Otherwise, "magnifico" becomes "maggot-ico" – trust me, you don’t want that.
Regional Twists That Matter
In Milan, "fantastico" works everywhere. In Naples? They’ll prefer "bellissimo!" (bel-LEES-see-moh). Regional differences:
| Region |
Preferred "Very Good" |
When to Use It |
| Tuscany |
Ottimo! |
Food, wine, solutions |
| Sicily |
Bedda matri! (dialect) |
Expressing shock at greatness |
| Veneto |
Stupendo! |
Art/architecture |
Gestures: The Secret Sauce
Italians don’t just say very good Italian phrases – they embody them. Miss the gestures, and your words fall flat. Essential combos:
- Che buono! + Fingertips kissed: Universal food praise
- Bravo! + Slow clap: Performance applause
- Perfetto! + Thumb-forefinger circle: When something’s exactly right
I tried complimenting a Roman mechanic without gestures. He shrugged. Added the thumb-circle? Got a 10% discount. Body language is currency.
FAQ: Real Questions from Italian Learners
Can I say "molto buono" for everything?
Technically yes, but you’ll sound basic. Italians have 250+ words for "good." Why use one? Reserve "molto buono" for tangible things (food, objects) – not feelings or performances.
Is "eccellente" too formal for friends?
Not if they nailed something big! Said casually, it’s like "killed it!" But don’t use it for minor wins ("eccellente" for someone passing salt = sarcasm).
What’s the difference between "bello" and "buono"?
Classic trap! Bello = beautiful/nice (views, people, art). Buono = good (food, character, solutions). Calling wine "bello" means it looks pretty in the glass – not that it tastes great.
How to respond to Italian compliments?
Don’t say "grazie" (thank you) immediately! First, deflect modestly:
- "Dici così per farmi felice?" (Are you saying that to make me happy?)
- "Ma dai!" (Oh come on!)
Then accept: "Grazie mille!" (Thanks a lot!)
Practice Like a Pro: My 30-Day Fluency Plan
Want to master these phrases? Stop memorizing lists. Do this instead:
- Week 1: Label household items with sticky notes (e.g., coffee maker → "squisito!"). Use aloud 3x/day.
- Week 2: Watch Italian cooking shows. Shout compliments when chefs finish dishes ("Ottimo lavoro!").
- Week 3: Text Italian friends voice notes praising mundane things ("Questa luce è magnifica!" – This light is magnificent).
- Week 4: Visit an Italian market. Compliment vendors using region-specific terms (Tip: Buy something after!).
The goal? Make very good in Italian language expressions automatic. When my Airbnb host showed me his garden last summer, "Incredibile! Sembra un paradiso!" (Incredible! Looks like paradise!) slipped out naturally. He beamed. Mission accomplished.
Cultura Shock: When "Good" Backfires
In Italy, context rules. Calling someone’s outfit "bellissimo" is fine. Calling their spouse "bellissima"? Creepy. Here’s my rule: Praise objects and achievements enthusiastically – but be restrained with personal compliments unless close friends.
Also, avoid hyperbolic praise for simple things. Raving "SPETTACOLARE!" (spectacular!) about a basic cappuccino makes you seem insincere. Scale your enthusiasm realistically. When in doubt? Start with "niente male" (not bad) – it’s safe and still appreciated.
The Unspoken Rules
- In business: "Eccellente" > "fantastico" (more professional)
- With elders: "Meraviglioso" > "da urlo" (respect matters)
- In markets: Over-praise = higher prices (true story: my "squisito!" cost me €8 extra for olives once)
Beyond Words: How Italians Express "Very Good"
Sometimes, Italians skip words entirely. A long "Mmmmm..." while eating? Highest praise. A slow nod during conversation? Means they approve. Even silence can mean "good" – if they stop arguing, you’ve convinced them.
The ultimate sign you’ve mastered very good Italian language expressions? When Italians stop switching to English for you. Happened to me in a Bologna cheese shop last year. Used "formaggio eccezionale" → got a 20-minute lecture on Parmigiano aging. Victory.
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