Sei abbastanza. Sei più che abbastanza.

You are enough. You are more than enough.

Pronunciation

sei ab-bas-TAN-za sei pjù ke ab-bas-TAN-za — stress on 'tan-' each time. 'Abbastanza' has four syllables: ab-bas-TAN-za.

When to use it

Said to a partner who doubts their own worth — a declaration of unconditional acceptance and love.

What it means

'Sei abbastanza' = you are enough (from 'bastare' — to be sufficient). 'Più che abbastanza' = more than enough. This phrase addresses the universal fear of not being enough for someone you love. The repetition intensifies the affirmation.

Variations

Non devi essere più di quello che sei.

You don't have to be more than you are.

Permission to be simply oneself — no performance required

Smetti di chiedere scusa per quello che sei.

Stop apologising for what you are.

Gentle command — an invitation to self-acceptance

Ti voglio così — non ti voglio cambiato/a.

I want you like this — I don't want you changed.

Active acceptance — you are wanted exactly as you are

Mini Dialogue

— A volte penso di non essere abbastanza per te. — Sei abbastanza. Sei più che abbastanza. — Come fai a esserne così sicuro/a? — Perché ti scelgo ogni giorno. Se non fossi abbastanza, non ti sceglierei. — Questa logica funziona.

— Sometimes I think I'm not enough for you. — You are enough. You are more than enough. — How are you so sure? — Because I choose you every day. If you weren't enough, I wouldn't choose you. — That logic works.

Cultural Note

The fear of not being enough ('non essere abbastanza') is universal but particularly acute in Italy's often appearance- and achievement-focused culture. Reassuring a partner of their intrinsic worth is one of the most loving acts possible — and doing it with clarity and certainty, as this phrase does, is a powerful emotional gift.

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