When learning Italian, it’s easy to fall into the trap of combining words that sound correct but are actually redundant or incorrect. A frequent mistake among learners is saying “molto bellissimo” to mean “very beautiful.” However, this phrase is grammatically wrong because “bellissimo” already means “very beautiful” — adding “molto” (very) is unnecessary and sounds awkward to native speakers.
Why “Molto Bellissimo” is Wrong
Bellissimo is the superlative form of bello, meaning “very beautiful” or “gorgeous.” Since bellissimo already expresses an extreme degree, you should avoid intensifying it further with molto.
Correct alternatives:
- Bellissimo (very beautiful/gorgeous)
- Molto bello (very beautiful)
- Davvero bellissimo (truly gorgeous)
Incorrect:
- Molto bellissimo (redundant and incorrect)
Other Adjectives That Work Both Ways
Here are some common adjectives where you can use either molto + adjective or the superlative -issimo form:
| Adjective (base) | Molto + Adjective | Superlative (-issimo) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| bello (beautiful) | molto bello | bellissimo | very beautiful |
| caro (dear/expensive) | molto caro | carissimo | very dear/expensive |
| veloce (fast) | molto veloce | velocissimo | very fast |
| interessante (interesting) | molto interessante | interessantissimo | very interesting |
| grande (big) | molto grande | grandissimo | very big |
| buono (good) | molto buono | buonissimo | very good |
| forte (strong) | molto forte | fortissimo | very strong |
Quick Tip to Avoid Redundancies
- If the adjective already ends with -issimo, you don’t need molto before it. Choose either the superlative or the adverb molto + adjective.
- Molto + adjective is often used in formal writing or when the adjective doesn’t commonly form a superlative (e.g., adjectives ending in -co, -go sometimes change spelling).
- The superlative form (-issimo) is more common in spoken Italian and adds emphasis with a clear “extreme” meaning.
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I’m Valeria — certified Italian language teacher and founder of Vita Semplice in Italia. I help people learn Italian not just through grammar and vocabulary, but through real-life connection and cultural immersion. I design and lead experiential language journeys in rural Italy, where learning happens in piazzas, kitchens, and conversations with locals. I believe language is a gateway to belonging — and that feeling at home in a new culture starts with slowing down and truly being present.
