Signification
To act in a generous way.
Contexte culturel
The 'Caffè Sospeso' is the quintessential Neapolitan 'bel gesto'. It involves paying for two coffees but drinking only one, leaving the second for a poor person to enjoy later. In Italy, the 'Premio Gentleman' is awarded to players who perform a 'bel gesto' on the pitch, emphasizing that winning isn't everything. The concept of 'Signorilità' is tied to the 'bel gesto'. A 'signore' is not just a rich man, but someone who acts with grace and generosity. In Italian politics, a 'bel gesto' is often a concession made by one party to another to ease tensions, even if it's purely symbolic.
Use it for 'Fair Play'
In Italy, 'fair play' is often translated or described as 'un bel gesto di sportività'.
Watch the plural
Remember that 'bel gesto' becomes 'bei gesti'. Don't say 'belli gesti'.
Signification
To act in a generous way.
Use it for 'Fair Play'
In Italy, 'fair play' is often translated or described as 'un bel gesto di sportività'.
Watch the plural
Remember that 'bel gesto' becomes 'bei gesti'. Don't say 'belli gesti'.
The 'Proprio' trick
Add 'proprio' (È stato proprio un bel gesto) to sound 100% more like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fare' and the adjective 'bel'.
Ieri Marco __________ un __________ gesto aiutando la signora con le borse.
We use the passato prossimo 'ha fatto' for a completed action and 'bel' because it precedes 'gesto'.
Which situation is best described as a 'bel gesto'?
Quale di queste situazioni è un 'bel gesto'?
A 'bel gesto' is a selfless act of kindness, like donating toys.
Match the adjective to the type of 'gesto'.
Abbina l'aggettivo al tipo di gesto:
These are common collocations in Italian.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ho riportato il cane smarrito al suo padrone.' B: 'Complimenti, ________________!'
The standard response to a kind act is 'hai fatto un bel gesto'.
Match the phrase to the context.
Dove useresti 'Compiere un bel gesto'?
'Compiere' is a more formal verb often used in journalism.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Bel Gesto vs. Bella Figura
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesIeri Marco __________ un __________ gesto aiutando la signora con le borse.
We use the passato prossimo 'ha fatto' for a completed action and 'bel' because it precedes 'gesto'.
Quale di queste situazioni è un 'bel gesto'?
A 'bel gesto' is a selfless act of kindness, like donating toys.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common collocations in Italian.
A: 'Ho riportato il cane smarrito al suo padrone.' B: 'Complimenti, ________________!'
The standard response to a kind act is 'hai fatto un bel gesto'.
Dove useresti 'Compiere un bel gesto'?
'Compiere' is a more formal verb often used in journalism.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfectly fine in a formal letter or a speech.
No, it sounds unnatural. 'Bel gesto' is the standard idiom for this concept.
A 'favore' is a favor you might ask for. A 'bel gesto' is usually something someone does spontaneously without being asked.
It's better to let others say it about you. Saying 'Ho fatto un bel gesto' can sound a bit arrogant, like you are bragging about your kindness.
Expressions liées
Mettersi una mano sul cuore
similarTo act out of compassion or conscience.
Fare la bella figura
contrastTo make a good impression.
Rendere un favore
similarTo return a favor.
Gesto di stizza
contrastA gesture of annoyance.
