If you want to know how to say very in Italian, the most common word is molto. It usually comes before an adjective or adverb, and it agrees with a noun when it means “much” or “many.” Italian also uses assai in more formal or literary contexts.
“Very” in Italian is molto, pronounced approximately MOHL-toh. For example, molto bene means “very well.”
How Do You Say Very in Italian?
The usual Italian word for very is molto. Compare così, “so”, for a related way to intensify a description. As an adverb, it does not change: molto bello means “very beautiful,” and molto bene means “very well.”
When molto means “much” or “many” before a noun, it changes form: molta, molti, or molte. For a smaller amount, see a little in Italian.
Meaning: Very / Much
Different Italian Words for Very
Use molto in most everyday sentences. The alternatives can add emotional emphasis or a more formal tone.
1. Molto — Very
Molto is the standard word. È molto importante means “It is very important.”
2. Tanto — Very / So much
Tanto can mean “a lot,” “so much,” or “very” in conversational expressions. Grazie tante means “Thanks a lot.”
3. Assai — Very / Quite
Assai means “very” or “quite” and sounds more formal, literary, or regional than molto.
4. Troppo — Too / Too much
Troppo means “too” or “too much,” so it is stronger and often expresses excess rather than simple intensity.
Very in Italian: Quick Comparison
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| Italian | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| molto | very | Standard everyday word |
| tanto | very / a lot | Conversational emphasis |
| assai | very / quite | Formal or literary tone |
| troppo | too / too much | Excess or “too” |
How to Pronounce Molto
Molto is pronounced MOHL-toh, with two clear syllables. The Italian o sounds like the vowel in “more,” and the final o is pronounced clearly.
Example Sentences Using Very in Italian
Use: Intensifying an adjective.
Use: Intensifying an adverb.
Use: Using molto with a noun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Very in Italian
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say very in Italian?
Say molto.
What does molto mean?
Molto can mean “very,” “much,” or “a lot,” depending on how it is used.
What is the difference between molto and tanto?
Molto is the standard word for “very.” Tanto often adds a conversational sense of “a lot” or “so much.”
Does molto change form?
As an adverb meaning “very,” it stays molto. Before nouns meaning “much” or “many,” it can become molta, molti, or molte.
How do you say too much in Italian?
Say troppo or troppo with the matching noun form.
Summary: How to Say Very in Italian
The main word for very in Italian is molto. Use tanto for conversational “a lot,” assai for a formal “very,” and troppo for “too” or “too much.”
