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PhrasesGiving ComplimentsHai un gusto eccellente!
A2

Hai un gusto eccellente!

You have excellent taste!

Pronunciation

'Eccellente' = ec-cel-LEN-te, stress on third syllable. 'Gusto' = GU-sto.

When to use it

Use this to compliment someone's aesthetic choices — in fashion, home decoration, music, or art. 'Avere gusto' (to have taste) is a comprehensive compliment in Italian culture that covers all areas of aesthetic sensitivity.

What it means

'Gusto' (taste) in Italian covers both the physical sense of taste and aesthetic sensibility. 'Avere gusto' means to have good aesthetic judgment. The opposite — 'essere senza gusto' (to be without taste) or 'avere cattivo gusto' (to have bad taste) — is a serious Italian criticism.

Variations

Si vede che hai l'occhio per la bellezza.

You can tell you have an eye for beauty.

'Avere l'occhio' for aesthetic discernment

Le tue scelte sono sempre azzeccate.

Your choices are always spot on.

'Azzeccato' — hitting the mark, perfectly chosen

Sei molto raffinato/a nel tuo stile.

You are very refined in your style.

'Raffinato' — refined, cultured — high Italian praise

Mini Dialogue

— Hai un gusto eccellente! L'arredamento della tua casa è perfetto. — Grazie! Ho fatto tutto con pezzi vintage e qualche oggetto di design. — Si sente che c'è una mente dietro ogni scelta. — Mi piace che ogni pezzo abbia una storia.

— You have excellent taste! Your home decoration is perfect. — Thank you! I did everything with vintage pieces and some design objects. — You can tell there is a mind behind every choice. — I like each piece to have a story.

Cultural Note

Italy is the global capital of design, art, and fashion. The concept of 'buon gusto' (good taste) is embedded in Italian cultural identity from school curricula to professional life. Designers, architects, and artisans form the backbone of Italian creative economy. Saying someone has good taste is almost a professional compliment.