Buono, bravo, bello, bene: Italian grammar lesson 33

Welcome to our Italian grammar lesson series! In lesson 33, we will be exploring four commonly used words in Italian: buono, bravo, bello, and bene. While these words may seem interchangeable at first, they each have distinct meanings and uses in the Italian language. Join us as we delve into their nuances and learn how to use them correctly in everyday conversation.

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Summary

This article discusses four commonly used Italian words: buono, bravo, bello, and bene, which all mean "good" or "well" in English. While they may appear interchangeable, they have specific uses and meanings.

Bene is an adverb that describes how an action is performed and always refers to a verb.

Buono is an adjective that refers to a noun and is used to describe quality, flavor, and objects or people as good, kind, friendly, or selfless.

Bravo is another adjective that refers to people or living beings and expresses a positive judgment about someone's talent or skills, as well as politeness or good manners.

Finally, bello is an adjective that refers to nouns and is used to describe beauty, aesthetic appeal, or physical attractiveness in people, objects, or places.

The article provides examples and grammatical rules for each word to help learners understand their correct usage.

Words that mean “good” and “well” in Italian: Buono, bravo, bello, and bene

Buono, bravo, bello and bene are very common Italian words.

They are relatively simple to understand, but their correct use can be somewhat confusing for Italian learners because they sound similar (and all start with the letter “b”!).

They can sometimes all be translated with the word “good” or “well” in English.

First of all, from a grammatical point of view, there is the first distinction: buono, bravo, and bello are adjectives (and their forms change according to the noun they are paired with or refer to), while bene is an adverb and its form is therefore invariable.

How to use BENE

Let’s start with bene. Bene is an adverb of manner and it’s always used with a verb.

Adverbs of manners describe how or in which way an action is performed or takes place.

  • Bene is used to indicate that the action is performed satisfactorily, properly, or correctly. The opposite of bene is male.

Let’s look at a few examples with bene:

Lucia canta molto bene.

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Lucia sings very well.

Stai bene oggi?

Do you feel well today?

How to use BUONO

Buono is an adjective and always refers to a noun. It must be declined according to the noun’s grammatical gender and number.

It is declined as follows:

Masculine Feminine
Singular buono / buon buona
Plural buoni buone

Note: when buono immediately precedes a masculine singular noun, the contracted form buon is used instead.

  • When buono refers to people, it describes that someone is a good person, usually meaning they are nice, kind, friendly, or selfless.

Mio nonno è una persona molto buona.

My grandfather is a very nice person. (= nice, of good soul, good heart)

  • When buono refers to objects, it usually describes goodness, quality, or flavor.

Le tagliatelle che cucina Luisa sono veramente buone.

The “tagliatelle” (a pasta dish) cooked by Luisa are really good. (= tasty)

Questo divano è di buona qualità.

This sofa is of good quality.

Penso che “Titanic” sia un buon film.

I think that “Titanic” is a good movie. (= good quality, done well)

How to use BRAVO

Bravo is an adjective and always refers to a noun. It always refers to people or living beings, not objects.

It must be declined according to the noun’s grammatical gender and number.

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It is declined as follows:

Masculine Feminine
Singular bravo brava
Plural bravi brave
  • Bravo only refers to people and living beings. It expresses a positive judgment about someone’s talent or skills.

Marta è una brava attrice.

Marta is a good actress. (= talented)

Filippo è bravo in matematica.

Filippo is good at math.

  • Bravo can also mean that someone is polite and behaves properly (has good manners)

Luca è un bravo ragazzo.

Luca is a nice guy. (= he is polite and behaves properly, and has good manners)

Practice with Quizlet

Here's a set of flashcards and quizzes to practice this grammar topic.

How to use BELLO

Bello (beautiful) is an adjective and always refers to a noun. It must be declined according to the noun’s grammatical gender and number.

It is declined as follows:

Masculine Feminine
Singular bello / bel / bell’ bella
Plural belli belle

Note: when bello immediately precedes a masculine singular noun, the contracted form bel or bell’ (for nouns starting with vowels) is used instead.

  • When bello refers to people, it describes someone handsome or beautiful.

Valentino è un bell’uomo.

Valentino is a handsome man.

  • When bello refers to objects, it usually expresses a positive judgment on their aspect and aesthetics.

Venezia è una bella città.

Venezia is a beautiful city.

Penso che “Titanic” sia un bel film.

I think that “Titanic” is a beautiful movie. (= enjoyable, pleasant to watch)

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FAQs on Buono, bravo, bello, bene: Italian grammar lesson 33

When should I use "buono" in Italian?

Use "buono" in Italian to describe the quality, taste, or moral goodness of something, such as food or a person's character. For example: Questa pizza è buona (This pizza is good) or È una persona buona (He/She is a good person).

How do I use "bravo" in Italian to describe someone's skills or abilities?

To use "bravo" in Italian, place it before the noun or pronoun it refers to and match the gender and number. "Bravo" describes a person's proficiency, competence, or talent in a specific activity. For example: È un bravo pianista (He/She is a good pianist) or I ragazzi sono bravi a calcio (The boys are good at soccer).

How do I use "bene" in Italian to describe actions or states of being?

Use "bene" as an adverb in Italian to describe actions or states of being performed well or in a satisfactory manner. It often follows the verb it modifies. For example: Lui parla italiano molto bene (He speaks Italian very well) or Spero che stai bene (I hope you are well).

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