Meaning · adverb
well, nicely, OK, right
- properly, correctly, rightly
- thoroughly, carefully
- as much as, as many as
In a sentence
Hai capito bene quello che ho detto?
Did you understand well what I said?
Non sto bene oggi, resto a casa.
I’m not feeling well today, I’m staying home.
Ho pulito bene la cucina stamattina.
I cleaned the kitchen thoroughly this morning.
Usage notes
- Use 'bene' for general well-being or correctness; 'buono' is for quality or taste (e.g., 'un buon libro').
- Avoid overusing 'bene' for 'very'—Italians prefer intensifiers like 'molto' or 'proprio' (e.g., 'molto bene').
- 'Sto bene' means 'I'm fine'; don’t confuse with 'Sono buono' ('I’m good/kind').
Meaning · noun
good
- good, well-being
- possessions, property, assets
In a sentence
Il bene dei bambini viene prima di tutto.
The good of children comes before everything.
Hai già diviso i beni di tuo nonno?
Have you already divided your grandfather's belongings?
Non l'ho fatto per il tuo bene.
I didn't do it for your own good.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|
| bene | masculine · singular |
| beni | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Use 'bene' for possessions/assets in legal/financial contexts; 'roba' is informal for everyday belongings.
- As 'sake', only in fixed phrases like 'per il tuo bene'; not a standalone noun like English 'sake'.
- No plural form when meaning 'goods'; 'beni' is plural for 'assets' (e.g., 'beni immobili').
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