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PhrasesGiving FeedbackHai fatto un ottimo lavoro su questo progetto.
A2

Hai fatto un ottimo lavoro su questo progetto.

You have done an excellent job on this project.

Pronunciation

'Ottimo' = OT-ti-mo. Three syllables; stress the first. Double 't' — hold it briefly.

When to use it

Use this to deliver genuine positive feedback at the conclusion of a project or task. In Italian workplace culture, specific praise is more meaningful than generic compliments — try to name the project.

What it means

'Ottimo' (excellent/optimal) is stronger than 'buono' (good) and more professional than 'bravissimo'. 'Fare un lavoro' is the natural Italian construction for performing work — 'lavoro' here means 'job' not 'to work'.

Variations

Il tuo lavoro è stato impeccabile.

Your work was impeccable.

'Impeccabile' is a powerful positive descriptor in Italian professional language

I risultati che hai ottenuto superano le aspettative.

The results you have obtained exceed expectations.

Connects work to measurable outcomes — more impactful than generic praise

Complimenti per come hai gestito la situazione.

Congratulations on how you handled the situation.

Praises the process as well as the outcome

Mini Dialogue

Manager: Volevo dirti che hai fatto un ottimo lavoro su questo progetto. Il cliente era entusiasta. Dipendente: Grazie mille, sono felice di aver contribuito. Manager: La tua organizzazione è stata esemplare. Dipendente: Ho cercato di essere il più preciso/a possibile.

Manager: I wanted to tell you that you have done an excellent job on this project. The client was enthusiastic. Employee: Thank you very much, I am glad to have contributed. Manager: Your organisation was exemplary. Employee: I tried to be as precise as possible.

Cultural Note

In Italian workplace culture, positive feedback is often delivered more privately than in Anglo-Saxon cultures — publicly praising someone in front of the whole team can sometimes cause embarrassment rather than motivation. A one-to-one compliment is often more culturally appropriate and valued.