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The correct Italian words for “beautiful” and their proper genders and pronunciations will allow you to charm or impress someone. Almost all nouns in Italian have a masculine or feminine gender. According to their gender, the article and its variants are either feminine or masculine. Because Uomo is a masculine noun, you should use bello. Due to ragazza being a feminine noun, you would use bella instead. In addition, the articles change according to the noun’s gender.
Beautiful in Italian: Bellissima (feminine) , Bellissimo (masculine)
Italian Gender
Except for a few exceptions, the adjective “beautiful” is almost exclusively use as a noun. Due to its ambiguous gender system, the ending of a word in Italian depends on the noun it describes. It’s ” bello gatto ” to refer to a single beautiful male cat, but ” bella gatta ” to refer to a single beautiful female cat. However, if there are more than two cats, you say “belli gatti” or “belle gatta”.
Italian Pronunciation
In Italian, the masculine singular form of beautiful is bello, which is pronounced like the English word hello. With this word, the O at the end is pronounced just like the O in the word “top,” as opposed to being a long O like in “Hello.” Its last letter makes a loud “ahh” sound as in “fella” in English.
Italian Phrases
Say “Sei molta bella!” when you want to compliment a woman on her beauty in Italian. Essentially, this means that you are quite beautiful or that you are exceptionally beautiful. A man should be addressed with “Sei molto bello!” A woman should be addressed with “Ciao bella!” To rejoice over a beautiful day, use “Che bella giarnata!” “What an amazing day! “.”
Italian Superlatives
Using superlatives describes an object or person as the most beautiful or extraordinary. The word beautiful in other languages is sometimes prefix with a suffix in languages other than English. Once the final vowel in the stem is drop, add -issima or -issimo to the end. “The most beautiful cat is a bellissima gatto,” or ” the most beautiful cat is a bellissimo gatto.”
In terms of how you would perceive ciao bella/bello, it depends on where you are. Regional variations exist. Among my social circle in the northern part of Italy (Milan), ciao bella/bello was a common greeting.
When addressing a stranger, the Italian equivalent to “hey beautiful,” ciao bella, may appear rude. This might be less effective if you are unsure of who you are adressing.
Make sure you are aware of these differences by observing or asking before you begin catcalling without meaning to do so. Can you say Ciao bello? Does it sound inappropriate? In general, it isn’t sleazy, however regional varieties differ as well.
Most women use it when addressing men, but it’s entirely natural. If you’re speaking with a woman, say ciao bella. If you’re speaking with a man, say ciao grande.
Arslan Hussain, founder of The Different Languages, is an experienced translator passionate about languages and cultures. Through his website, he shares his knowledge and love for different languages, making learning accessible and enjoyable.