Signification
Responding to how are you.
Contexte culturel
The response 'Sto bene' is often a social requirement. Even if someone is struggling, they might say 'Sto bene' to avoid burdening the other person, a concept linked to 'Bella Figura'. In the South, 'Sto bene' is often followed by 'Grazie a Dio' (Thanks to God), reflecting the deep-rooted religious influence on daily language. In fast-paced Milan, 'Sto bene' is often shortened or replaced by 'Tutto bene' to keep the conversation moving quickly toward business or plans. Younger generations might use 'Sto una favola' (I'm like a fairy tale) or 'Sto a mille' (I'm at a thousand) to express that they are doing exceptionally well.
Add 'Grazie'
Always add 'grazie' after 'Sto bene' to sound polite and natural.
Avoid 'Sono'
Never say 'Sono bene'. It's the most common beginner mistake!
Signification
Responding to how are you.
Add 'Grazie'
Always add 'grazie' after 'Sto bene' to sound polite and natural.
Avoid 'Sono'
Never say 'Sono bene'. It's the most common beginner mistake!
Use 'Benissimo'
If you want to sound more enthusiastic, use 'Sto benissimo!' with a big smile.
The 'E tu?' Rule
Always ask 'E tu?' (And you?) back. It's considered rude in Italy not to reciprocate the question.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence: 'Io ___ bene oggi.'
Io ___ bene oggi.
In Italian, we use the verb 'stare' (sto) to describe how we are feeling.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'stare'.
Come ___ (tu)? - Io ___ bene.
The question 'How are you?' (informal) is 'Come stai?' and the answer is 'Sto bene'.
Match the response 'Sto bene così' to the correct situation.
When would you say 'Sto bene così'?
'Sto bene così' is a polite way to say 'I'm fine as I am' or 'No more, thank you'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ciao Maria! Come va? B: Non c'è male, e tu? A: ___.
'Sto bene, grazie' is the most natural and grammatically correct response in this sequence.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIo ___ bene oggi.
In Italian, we use the verb 'stare' (sto) to describe how we are feeling.
Come ___ (tu)? - Io ___ bene.
The question 'How are you?' (informal) is 'Come stai?' and the answer is 'Sto bene'.
When would you say 'Sto bene così'?
'Sto bene così' is a polite way to say 'I'm fine as I am' or 'No more, thank you'.
A: Ciao Maria! Come va? B: Non c'è male, e tu? A: ___.
'Sto bene, grazie' is the most natural and grammatically correct response in this sequence.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, 'Bene, grazie' is a very common and perfectly acceptable short answer.
'Sto bene' is a general state, while 'Mi sento bene' focuses more on your internal physical or emotional feeling.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and even in professional settings.
You say 'Non sto bene'.
Because health is considered a temporary state, and 'stare' is the verb for states.
No, for that you must use 'Sono una brava persona'.
It can mean 'It looks good on you' or 'It serves you right', depending on the context.
Yes, it is standard Italian used from North to South.
It's better to say 'No grazie, va bene così' or 'Non serve, grazie'.
You ask 'Stai bene?' (informal) or 'Sta bene?' (formal).
No, it can also refer to your general life situation or comfort in a place.
'Stiamo bene' (We are well).
Expressions liées
Sto benissimo
specialized formI'm doing great
Tutto bene
similarEverything's fine
Mi sento bene
similarI feel well
Sto male
contrastI feel bad / I'm sick
Stammi bene
builds onTake care
