Italian · Emotions & Descriptions

"Generous" in Italian: generoso/a

generoso/a

Say it: jeh-neh-ROH-zohadjective/dʒeneˈro.zo/

Generous in Italian is generoso (jeh-neh-ROH-zoh) for masculine and generosa for feminine. It covers open-handed people and generous portions: una porzione generosa.

Thanking a friend

Sei davvero generoso con il tuo tempo.
You're really generous with your time.
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How to pronounce generoso/a

Say it

jeh-neh-ROH-zoh

/dʒeneˈro.zo/

Generoso stresses ROH: jeh-neh-ROH-zoh. Soft g.

"Generous" in Italian: quick reference

ItalianEnglish
generoso / generosagenerous (m/f)

People and amounts.

essere generosoto be generous

Character praise.

una porzione generosaa generous portion

Restaurant talk.

grazie, sei generosothanks, you're generous

After a gift or favour.

How to use generoso/a in real life

  1. 1Thanking a friend

    Sei davvero generoso con il tuo tempo.

    You're really generous with your time.

    Generoso for a man/friend addressed as tu.

  2. 2At dinner

    Il cuoco ci ha dato una porzione generosa.

    The cook gave us a generous portion.

    Generosa with porzione.

  3. 3About a relative

    Mia zia è sempre generosa a Natale.

    My aunt is always generous at Christmas.

    Generosa for a woman.

Mistakes English speakers make with generoso/a

Incorrect: Lei è molto generoso.

Correct: Lei è molto generosa.

Match gender: generosa.

Incorrect: È un uomo generous.

Correct: È un uomo generoso.

Use generoso, not English generous.

Good to know

Calling someone generoso is warm praise in Italy—about money, time, or food. At the table, una mano generosa with olive oil or wine is a compliment to the host.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Thanking someone who paid for coffee

  1. ChatPal

    Oggi offro io: sei stato generoso ieri.

    Today I'm treating—you were generous yesterday.

  2. You

    Non serve, ma grazie. Sei tu il generoso adesso.

    No need, but thanks. You're the generous one now.

  3. ChatPal

    Va bene, allora dividiamo almeno il cornetto.

    Alright, then at least we'll split the croissant.

  4. You

    Affare fatto.

    Deal.

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"Generous" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Generous" in Italian

Generoso or generosa?

Match the person or noun: un amico generoso, un'amica generosa.

Can it describe food?

Yes—una porzione generosa means a big helping.

What is the plural?

Generosi / generose.

How do I thank a generous friend?

Grazie, sei davvero generoso/a.

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