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A2 adjective 13 Min. Lesezeit

incredibile

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At the A1 level, 'incredibile' is one of those 'magic' words that you can use even with a limited vocabulary to express strong emotions. You should learn it as a synonym for 'molto bello' (very beautiful) or 'molto grande' (very big), but with more emphasis. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar. Just remember that if you see something you like a lot, you can point and say 'Incredibile!'. It is a cognate of the English 'incredible', so it is very easy to recognize. You will mostly use it in its singular form 'incredibile' to describe a single thing, like a pizza, a house, or a car. For example, 'Questa pizza è incredibile!' is a perfect A1 sentence. It helps you communicate your enthusiasm without needing to know a dozen different adjectives. Focus on the pronunciation, especially the 'i' sounds, and try to use it when you are genuinely surprised. It's a great 'survival' word because it can replace many other words when you are stuck. Even if you don't know the word for 'amazing' or 'spectacular', 'incredibile' will always work. Just remember that it ends in 'e', and it doesn't change for boys or girls (masculine or feminine).

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At the A2 level, you should start paying attention to the plural form of 'incredibile', which is 'incredibili'. You are now expected to make your adjectives agree with the nouns they describe. For example, if you are talking about 'i musei' (the museums), you should say 'i musei sono incredibili'. You should also start using 'incredibile' to describe experiences and stories, not just physical objects. Phrases like 'un'esperienza incredibile' (an incredible experience) or 'una storia incredibile' (an incredible story) are very useful at this level. You might also begin to use it with simple adverbs like 'davvero' (really) or 'molto' (very) to add more weight to your sentences: 'È davvero incredibile!'. At A2, you are building the ability to describe your past holidays or weekend activities, and 'incredibile' is a key word for making your descriptions more interesting. You should also be aware that it can be used for negative surprises, like 'un ritardo incredibile' (an incredible delay). This shows you are moving beyond just 'good' and 'bad' and starting to use more nuanced vocabulary to express how you feel about events in your life.

At the B1 level, you can use 'incredibile' in more complex sentence structures. You should be able to use it as an impersonal expression followed by 'che' or 'come'. For example, 'È incredibile come parli bene l'italiano!' (It's incredible how well you speak Italian!). This level requires you to understand when to use the indicative or the subjunctive after such expressions. While 'come' usually takes the indicative, 'che' often triggers the subjunctive to express an emotional reaction: 'È incredibile che lui abbia vinto' (It's incredible that he won). You are now using the word not just to describe things, but to comment on situations. You should also be familiar with synonyms like 'pazzesco' (informal) or 'straordinario' (more formal) and know when to choose one over the other. Your use of 'incredibile' should become more natural and less like a direct translation from English. You might use it to react to news or to narrate a series of events in a more engaging way. At B1, you are expected to handle everyday conversations with some flow, and 'incredibile' acts as a great conversational bridge to show you are following what the other person is saying.

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At the B2 level, 'incredibile' is used with precision and variety. You understand its role in emphatic constructions and can use it to create specific rhetorical effects. You might use it in the 'superlativo relativo' form: 'È la cosa più incredibile che mi sia mai capitata' (It's the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me), correctly using the subjunctive 'sia'. You are also aware of the word's placement and how 'un'incredibile avventura' sounds more narrative than 'un'avventura incredibile'. At this stage, you should be able to use 'incredibile' sarcastically or to express skepticism. If a politician makes a dubious claim, you might say 'Incredibile...' with a tone that implies you don't believe a word of it. You also start to recognize the word in more sophisticated contexts, such as in newspaper editorials or literature, where it might describe the 'unbelievable' nature of a historical turning point. You can distinguish between 'incredibile' (the thing) and 'incredulo' (the person who doesn't believe), avoiding a common error. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you don't over-rely on 'incredibile', but you use it effectively when the situation truly warrants it.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'incredibile' is nuanced and fully integrated into a wide range of registers. You can use it in formal debates to describe an 'incredibile mancanza di coordinazione' (an incredible lack of coordination) or in literary analysis to discuss the 'incredibile' elements of a magical realist novel. You are comfortable with all the grammatical implications, including the most subtle uses of the subjunctive in dependent clauses. You also understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other words in the 'credere' family, such as 'credibilità', 'incredulità', and 'accreditare'. You can use 'incredibile' as a substantive ('l'incredibile') to discuss abstract concepts. At this level, you are also aware of regional variations in how surprise is expressed and might choose to use 'incredibile' specifically to maintain a standard Italian (italiano standard) profile in professional settings. You can also play with the word's meaning, using it to describe things that are paradoxically 'believable' yet 'incredible' in their execution. Your command of the language allows you to use 'incredibile' as a tool for irony, emphasis, and precise description across all domains of life.

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At the C2 level, 'incredibile' is a tool you master with the finesse of a native speaker. You use it with a complete understanding of its historical and cultural baggage. You might employ it in a philosophical discussion about the 'incredibile' nature of human existence or in a high-level legal argument where the 'incredibilità' of a testimony is at stake. You are sensitive to the word's rhythm and how it fits into the prosody of a complex sentence. You can use it to evoke specific emotions in an audience, whether you are writing a speech, a poem, or a technical report. You understand the rarest uses of the word, including archaic or highly specialized meanings that might appear in classical literature. At this level, 'incredibile' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a part of your linguistic identity in Italian. You can use it to navigate the most delicate social situations, knowing exactly when a simple 'incredibile' is more powerful than a long explanation. You also recognize its use in Italian cinema and pop culture, understanding the intertextual references that might be made when the word is used in a specific way by a famous actor or public figure.

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'Incredibile' means incredible or unbelievable. It is used to express strong surprise or admiration.
It is a second-class adjective: 'incredibile' (singular) and 'incredibili' (plural) for both genders.
Commonly used in sports, news, and daily conversation as an exclamation or intensifier.
Can be used positively (amazing) or negatively (unbelievably bad/frustrating) depending on context.

The Italian adjective incredibile is a powerful and versatile word that translates directly to the English 'incredible.' At its core, the word is derived from the Latin 'in-' (not) and 'credibilis' (worthy of belief), which in turn comes from 'credere' (to believe). In a literal sense, something incredibile is something that surpasses the limits of belief or logic. However, in modern Italian, its usage mirrors the English evolution of the word, functioning predominantly as an intensifier to describe something extraordinary, amazing, or even shocking. Whether you are witnessing a breathtaking sunset over the Amalfi Coast or hearing a piece of gossip that seems too wild to be true, incredibile is your go-to descriptor. It is an adjective of the second class in Italian, meaning it ends in '-e' in the singular form and serves both masculine and feminine nouns without changing its ending. This makes it relatively easy for beginners to master.

Literal Meaning: Unbelievable or impossible to believe because it is unlikely or lack evidence.
Figurative Meaning: Extremely good, large, or great; beyond what is ordinary.
Emotional Nuance: Conveys a sense of awe, surprise, or sometimes disbelief and frustration depending on the context.

Italians use this word with great frequency in daily conversation. It can be used to describe a person's talent, the quality of a meal, or the sheer absurdity of a bureaucratic situation. Unlike some adjectives that are strictly positive, incredibile can be neutral or even negative if the context implies that something is 'unbelievably bad.' For instance, 'una coda incredibile' (an incredible line/queue) refers to a frustratingly long wait.

Hai visto quel gol? È stato incredibile!

When you use this word, you are often expressing a reaction to external stimuli that challenge your expectations. It is a staple of the Italian vocabulary because it encapsulates the Italian penchant for drama and appreciation of the extraordinary in the mundane. It is also used in formal writing to describe scientific discoveries or historical events that changed the course of time. In these contexts, it maintains its weight and seriousness.

La scoperta dell'America fu un evento incredibile.

Understanding the nuances of incredibile also involves recognizing its placement. While it often follows the noun, placing it before the noun can add a more subjective, poetic, or emphatic tone. 'Un'incredibile storia' sounds slightly more like a storyteller's opening than 'una storia incredibile,' which is a standard description. This flexibility allows speakers to color their speech with personal flair. In summary, incredibile is more than just a synonym for 'very good'; it is a marker of amazement that bridges the gap between reality and the impossible.

È incredibile come passi il tempo quando ci si diverte.

Register: Neutral to Informal; suitable for almost any setting.
Frequency: Extremely high in both spoken and written Italian.

Using incredibile correctly requires an understanding of Italian adjective agreement and syntax. As an adjective ending in '-e', it follows the rules of the second class of Italian adjectives. This means it has only two forms: incredibile for singular (both masculine and feminine) and incredibili for plural (both masculine and feminine). This simplicity is a relief for learners who are used to the four-ending system of adjectives like 'rosso' or 'bello'. For example, you would say 'un libro incredibile' (a masculine singular noun) and 'una storia incredibile' (a feminine singular noun). In the plural, these become 'libri incredibili' and 'storie incredibili'.

Singular Agreement: L'attore ha fatto una performance incredibile.
Plural Agreement: Quei tramonti sono incredibili.

The position of incredibile in a sentence is typically after the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Italian. However, placing it before the noun is a common stylistic choice to emphasize the speaker's emotion or to give the sentence a more literary or dramatic tone. For example, 'una forza incredibile' is a factual description of strength, whereas 'un'incredibile forza' emphasizes the amazement of the speaker. Note that when placed before a feminine noun starting with a vowel, like 'idea', it can elide: 'un'incredibile idea'.

È un'esperienza incredibile viaggiare da soli.

Another common way to use incredibile is as an impersonal predicate. This means using it with the verb 'essere' (to be) in the third person singular 'è' to comment on a situation or a clause. In these cases, it is often followed by 'che' and a verb in the subjunctive mood, especially if there is a sense of doubt or subjectivity, or by 'come' followed by the indicative. For example: 'È incredibile che lui non sia ancora arrivato' (It's incredible that he hasn't arrived yet). Here, the use of the subjunctive 'sia' reflects the speaker's disbelief or emotional reaction to the fact. You can also modify incredibile with adverbs to change its intensity. Words like 'davvero' (really), 'veramente' (truly), or 'assolutamente' (absolutely) are frequently paired with it. 'È assolutamente incredibile' is a very common phrase to express total amazement. Conversely, it is rarely used with 'un po'' (a little) because the meaning of 'incredible' is inherently extreme; saying something is 'a little incredible' is a bit of an oxymoron in Italian, just as it is in English.

La velocità di quel corridore è incredibile.

In more complex sentence structures, incredibile can be part of a comparative or superlative construction. For instance, 'Il suo talento è più incredibile di quanto pensassi' (His talent is more incredible than I thought). Or as a relative superlative: 'È la cosa più incredibile che io abbia mai visto' (It is the most incredible thing I have ever seen). Note again the use of the subjunctive 'abbia visto' after the superlative.

With 'Che' + Subjunctive: È incredibile che tu dica questo.
With 'Come' + Indicative: È incredibile come cucina bene mia nonna.

Finaly, remember that incredibile can also be used as a noun in certain contexts, such as 'l'incredibile è accaduto' (the unbelievable has happened), although this is much less common than its use as an adjective. Mastery of this word will allow you to express a wide range of emotions and reactions with a single, easy-to-remember term.

Abbiamo visto dei posti incredibili durante il viaggio.

The word incredibile is ubiquitous in Italian life, appearing in everything from high-stakes sports commentary to casual family dinners. If you are watching a football match (calcio), you will hear the commentators scream 'Incredibile!' when a player scores a goal from an impossible angle or when a clear favorite loses to an underdog. In this context, the word conveys the sheer unpredictability and passion of the sport. It is used to heighten the drama and connect with the audience's sense of wonder.

Un gol incredibile allo scadere del tempo!

In the world of news and journalism, incredibile is often used in headlines to grab attention. You might see it in stories about scientific breakthroughs, rare natural phenomena, or scandalous political events. For example, a headline might read 'Scoperta incredibile su Marte' (Incredible discovery on Mars). Journalists use it to signal that the information following is outside the norm and deserves the reader's immediate focus. In daily social interactions, incredibile acts as a filler and a reactive word. When Italians are listening to a friend tell a story, they often interject with 'Incredibile!' to show they are engaged and surprised. It functions similarly to 'No way!' or 'Really?' in English. This usage is crucial for 'active listening' in Italian culture, where showing emotion and engagement is expected. You will also hear it in marketplaces or shops when someone is describing the quality of a product: 'Questo formaggio ha un sapore incredibile!' (This cheese has an incredible flavor!).

In Sports: Used for spectacular plays or unexpected results.
In Socializing: Used as a conversational interjection to show empathy or surprise.
In Marketing: Used to emphasize the superior quality of goods or services.

Cinema and literature also frequently employ incredibile. In movie titles or reviews, it sets expectations for a story that is out of the ordinary. Think of the Italian title for the movie 'The Incredibles', which is 'Gli Incredibili'. This shows how the word can be pluralized and used as a substantive to describe a group of people with extraordinary abilities. In literature, it can be used to describe the internal state of a character who cannot believe their own eyes or fortune.

La bellezza di Venezia è incredibile di notte.

Finally, you might hear incredibile in more frustrated contexts, such as traffic or bureaucracy. An Italian stuck in a long line at the post office might mutter 'Incredibile...' under their breath. Here, it doesn't mean 'wonderful'; it means 'unbelievable' in the sense of 'I can't believe how inefficient this is.' This versatility across emotional spectrums is what makes it such a vital word to learn. Whether you are praising a chef or complaining about a delay, incredibile provides the perfect linguistic tool to express your amazement.

È incredibile quanto lavoro c'è da fare.

While incredibile is a cognate of 'incredible', which makes it easy to remember, there are several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter when using it in Italian. The first and most frequent mistake is related to adjective agreement. Because it ends in '-e', many learners mistakenly think it doesn't change at all, or they try to give it a feminine '-a' ending or a masculine '-o' ending. Remember: 'incredibilo' or 'incredibila' do not exist. The singular is always incredibile regardless of gender, and the plural is always incredibili.

Wrong: Una storia incredibila.
Correct: Una storia incredibile.

Another mistake is the misuse of the word in comparative structures. In English, we might say 'more incredible', but in Italian, while 'più incredibile' is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound a bit clunky because the word itself is already an absolute concept. However, the most common error here is forgetting the 'di' or 'che' in comparisons. If you say 'È più incredibile che il primo film,' you are using 'che' correctly to compare two clauses or nouns, but often learners use 'di' incorrectly or vice-versa.

Questi prezzi sono incredibili!

Confusion between incredibile and its related verb 'credere' can also lead to errors. Some learners might try to say 'Non è incredibile' when they mean 'I don't believe it' (Non ci credo). While 'Non è incredibile' means 'It is not incredible' (i.e., it's quite ordinary), 'Non ci credo' is the correct way to express personal disbelief. Using the adjective when you need the verb is a common slip-up.

Confusion with 'Credibile': Sometimes people use 'incredibile' when they simply mean 'believable' (credibile) but add the 'in-' prefix by habit. Ensure you know if you are being positive or negative.
Word Order: While 'un'incredibile evento' is okay, 'un evento incredibile' is more standard. Don't overthink the placement until you are comfortable with the basics.

Lastly, avoid overusing incredibile for things that are merely 'good'. In Italian, there are many specific adjectives like 'ottimo' (excellent), 'bello' (beautiful), or 'buono' (good). If you use incredibile for everything, it loses its impact. Reserve it for things that truly provoke wonder or disbelief. Also, watch out for the spelling; it is 'incredibile' with an 'i' after the 'd', not 'incredabile'.

Non è incredibile che abbiano vinto loro?

While incredibile is a fantastic word, expanding your vocabulary with its synonyms and alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow for finer shades of meaning. Depending on whether you want to emphasize the positive, the surprising, or the absurd, there are several other words you can use.

Pazzesco: Literally 'crazy' or 'mad'. This is the most common informal alternative to incredibile. Use it for an amazing party, a wild story, or a great movie. 'È stato un film pazzesco!'
Assurdo: Meaning 'absurd'. Use this when something is so incredibile that it defies logic in a slightly negative or chaotic way. 'È assurdo che il treno sia così in ritardo!'
Straordinario: Meaning 'extraordinary'. This is a more formal and purely positive synonym. It implies something that is out of the ordinary in a high-quality way. 'Ha un talento straordinario per il piano.'

If you want to describe something that is so good it's hard to believe, you might use 'formidabile' (formidable/great) or 'eccezionale' (exceptional). These words carry a weight of excellence. On the other hand, if you are describing something that makes you speechless, 'mozzafiato' (breathtaking) is perfect, especially for landscapes or beauty. 'Una vista mozzafiato' is a classic Italian expression.

La sua velocità è davvero pazzesca.

For the literal sense of 'unbelievable' where you suspect a lie, you could use 'poco credibile' (not very believable) or 'inverosimile' (unlikely/implausible). 'Inverosimile' is a great word for a plot in a book that doesn't make sense. It’s more clinical and less emotional than incredibile.

Stupefacente: Meaning 'astonishing' or 'amazing'. It comes from the same root as 'stupid' (in the sense of being dazed or stunned). It is a very elegant word.
Incredulo: Be careful! This is an adjective for a person who does not believe something. 'Lui è rimasto incredulo' (He remained incredulous). Don't use 'incredibile' to describe a person's state of mind.

Finally, in slang, young people might use 'allucinante' (hallucinating/mind-blowing) to describe something incredibile, often in a negative or shocking sense. For example, 'C'era un traffico allucinante!' (The traffic was mind-blowing/insane!). By mixing these alternatives into your speech, you'll be able to express surprise and admiration with much more precision.

È una coincidenza straordinaria.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'incredibile' has been used in Italian since the 13th century. It appears in the works of Dante Alighieri to describe divine mysteries.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /in.kre.ˈdi.bi.le/

US /in.kre.ˈdi.bi.le/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'di': in-cre-DI-bi-le.

Reimt sich auf

sensibile (sensitive) terribile (terrible) visibile (visible) possibile (possible) flessibile (flexible) orribile (horrible) fattibile (feasible) leggibile (readable)

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the second syllable like the English 'incredible'.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as an 'ay' or 'ee' sound. In Italian, it is a mid-front unrounded vowel.
Not rolling the 'r' in 'cre'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Easy to recognize as it is a cognate of 'incredible'.

Schreiben 2/5

Must remember the '-e' to '-i' plural change and avoid English spelling.

Sprechen 2/5

Requires correct stress on the fourth syllable (in-cre-DI-bi-le).

Hören 1/5

Very clear and distinct word in spoken Italian.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

credere bello molto che come

Als Nächstes lernen

pazzesco straordinario assurdo stupefacente incredulo

Fortgeschritten

inverosimile fantasmagorico eclatante

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective agreement (Class 2)

Il libro è incredibile. Le storie sono incredibili.

Impersonal expressions with the subjunctive

È incredibile che lui non sia qui.

Adjective position for emphasis

Un'incredibile notizia (emphatic) vs Una notizia incredibile (neutral).

Use of 'di' after 'qualcosa'

Ho visto qualcosa di incredibile.

Relative superlative

È la cosa più incredibile che io abbia mai visto.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Il gelato è incredibile.

The ice cream is incredible.

'Incredibile' is singular to match 'gelato'.

Un film incredibile.

An incredible movie.

The adjective follows the noun.

Roma è una città incredibile.

Rome is an incredible city.

'Incredibile' works for both masculine (gelato) and feminine (città).

Che macchina incredibile!

What an incredible car!

'Che' is used here to mean 'What a...'.

Il sole è incredibile oggi.

The sun is incredible today.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Incredibile! Ho vinto!

Incredible! I won!

Used as a stand-alone exclamation.

Hai un cane incredibile.

You have an incredible dog.

Adjective describing the direct object 'cane'.

Questa musica è incredibile.

This music is incredible.

'Musica' is feminine singular, 'incredibile' remains the same.

I panorami sono incredibili.

The views are incredible.

'Incredibili' is the plural form.

Abbiamo visto delle cose incredibili.

We saw some incredible things.

Plural feminine agreement with 'cose'.

È un'incredibile avventura.

It's an incredible adventure.

The adjective is placed before the noun for emphasis.

Questi prezzi sono incredibili!

These prices are incredible!

Can be used for things that are surprisingly low or high.

Ho letto un libro incredibile.

I read an incredible book.

Standard adjective position.

Le tue scarpe sono incredibili.

Your shoes are incredible.

Plural feminine agreement with 'scarpe'.

È incredibile, non piove mai qui.

It's incredible, it never rains here.

Used as an impersonal introductory phrase.

Ho fatto un viaggio incredibile in Italia.

I had an incredible trip in Italy.

Describing a past experience.

È incredibile come il tempo voli.

It's incredible how time flies.

'Incredibile come' followed by the indicative 'voli'.

Trovo incredibile che tu non lo sappia.

I find it incredible that you don't know it.

'Incredibile che' followed by the subjunctive 'sappia'.

È stata una partita incredibile fino all'ultimo.

It was an incredible match until the very end.

Describing the duration and intensity of an event.

La sua forza di volontà è incredibile.

His/Her willpower is incredible.

Describing an abstract quality.

È incredibile che siamo già a dicembre.

It's incredible that we are already in December.

Expressing surprise about the passage of time.

Hanno un'incredibile capacità di adattamento.

They have an incredible ability to adapt.

Pre-nominal position for emphasis.

Sarebbe incredibile se vincessimo noi.

It would be incredible if we won.

Conditional 'sarebbe' combined with 'incredibile'.

Il successo del film è stato incredibile.

The success of the movie was incredible.

Describing the scale of an achievement.

È incredibile che non ci abbiano pensato prima.

It's incredible that they didn't think of it before.

Past subjunctive 'abbiano pensato' after 'incredibile che'.

La folla era di una dimensione incredibile.

The crowd was of an incredible size.

Using 'di una' + noun + adjective for emphasis.

È l'esperienza più incredibile della mia vita.

It's the most incredible experience of my life.

Relative superlative construction.

Sembra incredibile, ma è la pura verità.

It seems incredible, but it's the pure truth.

Using 'sembra' (it seems) instead of 'è'.

Un'incredibile serie di eventi ha portato a questo.

An incredible series of events led to this.

Pre-nominal position in a more formal narrative.

Incredibile a dirsi, ma ha accettato.

Incredible to say, but he accepted.

The fixed phrase 'incredibile a dirsi'.

C'era un silenzio incredibile nella foresta.

There was an incredible silence in the forest.

Describing a sensory experience.

È incredibile quanto possa essere testardo.

It's incredible how stubborn he can be.

'Incredibile quanto' + indicative.

L'incredibile velocità del progresso tecnologico ci spiazza.

The incredible speed of technological progress leaves us displaced.

'Incredibile' used in a formal, analytical context.

È incredibile che si possa ancora credere a certe favole.

It is incredible that one can still believe in certain fairy tales.

Impersonal 'si possa' in the subjunctive.

La sua ascesa al potere fu rapida e incredibile.

His rise to power was rapid and incredible.

Used in a historical/biographical narrative.

Risulta incredibile come la memoria possa ingannarci.

It turns out to be incredible how memory can deceive us.

'Risulta' (turns out/is) adds a formal tone.

Hanno dimostrato un'incredibile resilienza di fronte alle avversità.

They demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of adversity.

Describing a psychological trait.

L'opera è pervasa da un'incredibile tensione emotiva.

The work is permeated by an incredible emotional tension.

Artistic criticism context.

Pare incredibile che non sia stata fatta giustizia.

It seems incredible that justice has not been served.

'Pare' (seems) + negative subjunctive.

Siamo testimoni di un'incredibile trasformazione sociale.

We are witnesses to an incredible social transformation.

Sociological context.

L'incredibile risiede spesso nei dettagli più insignificanti.

The unbelievable often resides in the most insignificant details.

'Incredibile' used as a substantive noun.

Sfidando l'incredibile, l'esploratore proseguì il suo cammino.

Defying the unbelievable, the explorer continued his path.

Literary use of the noun form.

È un'opera di un'incredibile complessità architettonica.

It is a work of incredible architectural complexity.

High-level descriptive precision.

L'incredibilità della sua tesi lo rese oggetto di scherno.

The unbelievability of his thesis made him an object of ridicule.

Using the related noun 'incredibilità'.

Tale scenario, per quanto incredibile, non può essere escluso.

Such a scenario, however incredible, cannot be excluded.

Formal 'per quanto' (however/although) construction.

La narrazione oscilla tra il verosimile e l'incredibile.

The narrative fluctuates between the plausible and the unbelievable.

Contrast between two abstract nouns.

Egli rimase lì, avvolto in un'incredibile aura di mistero.

He remained there, wrapped in an incredible aura of mystery.

Poetic/literary use.

L'incredibile audacia del piano lasciò tutti senza parole.

The incredible audacity of the plan left everyone speechless.

Focus on an abstract noun modified by 'incredibile'.

Häufige Kollokationen

storia incredibile

forza incredibile

velocità incredibile

successo incredibile

bellezza incredibile

ritardo incredibile

fatto incredibile

esperienza incredibile

talento incredibile

notizia incredibile

Häufige Phrasen

È incredibile!

— It's incredible! Used as a general exclamation of surprise.

Hai vinto la lotteria? È incredibile!

Incredibile ma vero

— Incredible but true. Used to introduce a surprising fact.

Incredibile ma vero, ha nevicato ad agosto.

Sembra incredibile

— It seems incredible. Used when something is hard to believe.

Sembra incredibile che siano già passati dieci anni.

Un'incredibile coincidenza

— An incredible coincidence. Used for surprising chance events.

Ci siamo incontrati a Parigi: un'incredibile coincidenza.

Incredibile a dirsi

— Incredible to say. Used before stating something surprising.

Incredibile a dirsi, ma non gli piace la pizza.

Roba da non credere

— Unbelievable stuff. A common idiomatic alternative to 'incredibile'.

Ha lasciato il lavoro? Roba da non credere!

Qualcosa di incredibile

— Something incredible. Used to describe an event or thing.

Ho visto qualcosa di incredibile ieri sera.

In modo incredibile

— In an incredible way. Used as an adverbial phrase.

Ha reagito in modo incredibile alla notizia.

Oltre l'incredibile

— Beyond incredible. Used for extreme cases.

La sua crudeltà era oltre l'incredibile.

Trovare incredibile che...

— To find it incredible that... Used to express personal disbelief.

Trovo incredibile che tu non mi abbia chiamato.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

incredibile vs incredulo

'Incredulo' describes a person who doesn't believe, while 'incredibile' describes the thing that is hard to believe.

incredibile vs credibile

The opposite of 'incredibile'. Don't forget the 'in-' if you want to express surprise!

incredibile vs incredibile (noun)

Rarely used as a noun, usually an adjective. Don't say 'un incredibile' to mean 'an incredible person' unless in specific titles.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Roba da matti"

— Stuff for crazy people. Used when something is unbelievable or absurd.

Siamo bloccati nel traffico da tre ore, roba da matti!

informal

"Non ci posso credere"

— I can't believe it. The verbal equivalent of saying something is 'incredibile'.

Hai perso le chiavi di nuovo? Non ci posso credere!

neutral

"Cose dell'altro mondo"

— Things from another world. Used for something totally unbelievable or scandalous.

I prezzi in quel ristorante sono cose dell'altro mondo!

informal

"Da non crederci"

— Unbelievable. Used as a short reaction.

Ha vinto di nuovo? Da non crederci!

informal

"Rimanere a bocca aperta"

— To be left with one's mouth open (to be speechless with amazement).

Siamo rimasti a bocca aperta davanti a quel panorama incredibile.

neutral

"Far cadere le braccia"

— To make one's arms fall (to be so unbelievable in a bad way that you give up).

La tua pigrizia mi fa cadere le braccia, è incredibile.

informal

"Essere fuori dal mondo"

— To be out of this world. Used for something incredibly good or strange.

Quel dolce era fuori dal mondo!

informal

"Vedere per credere"

— Seeing is believing. Used when something is so incredible you need proof.

Dice che ha un leone in giardino: vedere per credere!

neutral

"Non parermi vero"

— It doesn't seem real to me. Used when something good is incredibly surprising.

Non mi pare vero di essere finalmente in vacanza.

neutral

"Metterci la mano sul fuoco"

— To put one's hand in the fire (to be absolutely sure, even if it seems incredible).

È stato lui, ci metterei la mano sul fuoco.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

incredibile vs incredulo

Similar sound and root.

'Incredulo' is 'incredulous' (a person). 'Incredibile' is 'incredible' (a thing).

Lui è incredulo (He is incredulous). La notizia è incredibile (The news is incredible).

incredibile vs pazzesco

Used as a synonym.

'Pazzesco' is much more informal and carries a vibe of 'crazy/insane'.

Un film pazzesco!

incredibile vs straordinario

Used as a synonym.

'Straordinario' is more formal and always positive.

Un evento straordinario.

incredibile vs stupendo

Both express high praise.

'Stupendo' means 'wonderful/beautiful'. 'Incredibile' means 'unbelievable'.

Un vestito stupendo.

incredibile vs assurdo

Both express disbelief.

'Assurdo' often implies something is ridiculous or nonsensical.

È assurdo aspettare così tanto.

Satzmuster

Subject + essere + incredibile

La pizza è incredibile.

Incredibile! (Exclamation)

Incredibile!

Noun + incredibile/i

Ho visto posti incredibili.

Un'incredibile + Noun

Un'incredibile sorpresa.

È incredibile come + Indicativo

È incredibile come canti bene.

È incredibile che + Congiuntivo

È incredibile che tu sia qui.

Qualcosa di incredibile

C'è qualcosa di incredibile in questa storia.

L'incredibile + Noun (Substantive)

L'incredibile audacia di quel gesto.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

incredibilità (unbelievability)

incredulità (incredulity/disbelief)

credente (believer)

credenza (belief/cupboard)

Verben

credere (to believe)

accreditare (to credit/accredit)

discreditare (to discredit)

Adjektive

credibile (credible)

incredulo (incredulous)

credevole (believable - rare)

Verwandt

fede (faith)

fiducia (trust)

credito (credit)

credenziale (credential)

miscredente (unbeliever)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in all contexts.

Häufige Fehler

Una storia incredibila → Una storia incredibile
Adjectives ending in -e do not change to -a for feminine nouns. They stay -e in the singular.
I film incredibile → I film incredibili
The plural of adjectives ending in -e is always -i.
È incredibile che lui è qui → È incredibile che lui sia qui
Expressions of emotion like 'è incredibile che' require the subjunctive mood.
Lui è incredibile (meaning he is surprised) → Lui è incredulo
'Incredibile' means the person is amazing/unbelievable. 'Incredulo' means the person is feeling disbelief.
Pronouncing it as in-CRED-i-bile → in-cre-DI-bi-le
Italian word stress is usually on the penultimate syllable. For 'incredibile', the stress falls on the 'di'.

Tipps

Master the Stress

Remember to emphasize the 'DI' in in-cre-DI-bi-le. Practice saying it slowly: in... cre... DI... bi... le.

The Plural Rule

Always change the '-e' to '-i' when talking about more than one thing. 'Libri incredibili', not 'libri incredibile'.

Beyond 'Bello'

Use 'incredibile' when 'bello' (beautiful) isn't strong enough. It shows a higher level of emotion.

Use Your Hands

When you say 'Incredibile!', open your hands or shake your head slightly to look more like a native speaker.

Elision

Before a feminine noun starting with a vowel, you can write 'un'incredibile' (with an apostrophe). Example: 'un'incredibile idea'.

The Subjunctive Trigger

If you say 'È incredibile che...', remember to use the subjunctive mood for the following verb. It's a hallmark of advanced Italian.

Synonym Switch

Try using 'pazzesco' in informal situations to sound more natural and less like you are translating from English.

Tone Matters

Pay attention to the speaker's tone. A sarcastic 'Incredibile!' means they don't believe you at all.

Placement

Put 'incredibile' after the noun for a standard description, and before the noun for a more emotional or poetic effect.

Cognate Power

Since it's so similar to 'incredible', focus your energy on learning the Italian pronunciation and the plural form.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of the English word 'incredible'. They are almost identical. Just remember to add an 'i' after the 'd' and end with 'e'. In-cred-i-bile.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a superhero (like Mr. Incredible) standing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Both are 'incredibili'!

Word Web

credere fede fiducia pazzesco assurdo straordinario possibile impossibile

Herausforderung

Try to describe three things you saw today using 'incredibile' or 'incredibili'. Make sure the endings are correct!

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'incredibilis', composed of 'in-' (negation) and 'credibilis' (worthy of belief).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: That which cannot be believed.

Romance (Italic)

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities. It is a safe, versatile word for all contexts.

In English, 'incredible' is often overused to mean just 'good'. In Italian, it still carries a bit more of its literal weight of 'unbelievable', though it is also used as a general positive.

'Gli Incredibili' (The Italian title for the Pixar movie 'The Incredibles'). Used frequently in the lyrics of Italian pop songs (e.g., by Laura Pausini or Eros Ramazzotti). Common in Italian sports commentary by icons like Sandro Piccinini.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Dining

Questa pasta è incredibile!
Un sapore incredibile.
Un'incredibile varietà di vini.

Tourism

Una vista incredibile.
Architettura incredibile.
Un'incredibile storia antica.

Sports

Un gol incredibile!
Una velocità incredibile.
Una rimonta incredibile.

Work

Un'incredibile opportunità.
Un successo incredibile.
Un'incredibile mole di lavoro.

Daily Life

È incredibile che sia già tardi.
Un'incredibile coincidenza.
Incredibile ma vero.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Hai mai visto un posto incredibile in Italia?"

"Qual è la cosa più incredibile che ti è successa questa settimana?"

"Ti è mai capitata un'incredibile coincidenza?"

"Quale film trovi assolutamente incredibile?"

"Conosci una storia incredibile ma vera?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descrivi un'esperienza incredibile che hai vissuto durante un viaggio.

Cosa trovi incredibile nel comportamento delle persone?

Scrivi di una scoperta scientifica che consideri incredibile.

Quale talento incredibile vorresti avere e perché?

Racconta una storia incredibile che hai sentito da un amico.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'incredibile' is an adjective that ends in '-e'. It stays the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. Example: 'un uomo incredibile' and 'una donna incredibile'.

The plural is 'incredibili' for both masculine and feminine. Example: 'i ragazzi incredibili' or 'le ragazze incredibili'.

Yes! You can use it to describe something that is unbelievably bad, like 'un traffico incredibile' (incredible traffic) or 'un'incredibile maleducazione' (incredible rudeness).

'È incredibile che' is usually followed by the subjunctive (e.g., 'che tu sia qui') and expresses an emotional reaction to a fact. 'È incredibile come' is followed by the indicative (e.g., 'come canti bene') and focuses on the manner in which something is done.

It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your boss, or in a written report. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer 'straordinario' or 'eccezionale'.

The stress is on the fourth syllable: in-cre-DI-bi-le. Many English speakers mistakenly put the stress on 'cre'.

Absolutely! If someone tells you something surprising, you can just say 'Incredibile!' to show your amazement.

It is 'incredibile' with an 'i'. It follows the Latin root 'credibilis'.

The most common slang synonym is 'pazzesco', which literally means 'crazy'.

Yes, but it's less common. You can say 'l'incredibile' to mean 'the unbelievable'. Example: 'L'incredibile è successo' (The unbelievable happened).

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