The Difference between: Bene, Bravo, Bello and Buono

How to use bene

One of the most common mistakes I hear from English native speakers when speaking Italian is misusing the word “bene.” While it is often used to mean “good,” this usage is incorrect. In fact, “good” only translates to “bene” in the phrase “sto bene,” which means “I’m good.”

Otherwise, “bene” should be used as an adverb and only after a verb, such as in the sentences: 

• Marco cucina bene – Marco cooks well 
• Lucia disegna bene – Lucia draws well 

Intensifiers of “bene”

• Molto bene, benissimo = very well

How to use bravo 

Bravo is an adjective which is often misused too. 

Bravo means, indeed, good. But, it’s just used for a person and with the meaning of talented, skilled, or good at something. 

• Luca è bravo a disegnare  (or Luca è bravo in disegno) – Luca is good at drawing 
• Luca è bravo a cucinare (or Luca è bravo in cucina) – Luca is good at cooking 

Note that you can use the adverb bravo in two different ways, like the above phrases.

• Essere bravo + a + verb – Luca è bravo a cucinare

• Essere bravo + in + noun – Luca è bravo in cucina

In other words, we can say that bravo is used when someone has a talent, a skill, or is simply good at doing something.

Bravo has a secondary meaning too.

Bravo is also used to indicate the moral qualities of a person.

• Una brava persona, a person with ethical values and a good morale. 

Common Italian expressions using “bravo”

• Che bravo! – Well done!

• Bravo! – Well done!

• Bravissimo – Way to go!

How to use bello 

Bello is a versatile Italian adjective that can describe both people and things. When applied to things, it can mean “nice” or “beautiful,” while when applied to people, it can mean “beautiful” or “handsome.” In either case, bello denotes the external qualities of the person, thing, or place being described.

• Questo tavolo è così bello – This table is so beautiful 
• Marta è una bellissima dona – Marta is a beautiful woman 
• Firenze è bellissima – Florence is very beautiful 

Intensifiers of bello

• Molto bello, bellissimo – very beautiful, awesome, gorgeous 
• Strabello (colloquial) – super beautiful 

More examples with bello 

• Quel palazzo è bellissimo – That building is gorgeous 
• Che bella città! – What a nice city!
• Che bella casa! – What a beautiful home!

Popular Italian expressions using “bello”

• Che bello! – That’s lovely!
• Bello! – Lovely!
• Bellissimo – Awesome! 

For intermediate learners, did you know that bello can sometimes change to begli, bei or bel? In this article, I will explain why this happens. Bel? Begli? Bei? What do they mean? 

How to use buono 

Buono means good and is used to give an opinion about the interior qualities of something or someone.

If a person is buona, we mean that this person has ethical qualities. 

• Marco è buono – he is good-hearted or a person with good moral qualities  

If something is buono, we mean that this thing has a good quality.

• Quella pasta è buona – That pasta is good
• Questo prodotto è buonissimo – This product is very good 
• Questo legno è buono – This wood is good

Intensifiers of buono

• Molto buono, buonissimo – very good
• Strabuono (colloquiale) – super good 

Popular Italian expressions using buono. 

• Che buono! – It’s delicious! (when referring to food or drinks)
• Buono a sapersi – good to know