Learn how to form the superlativo assoluto in Italian by adding '-issimo' or '-issima' to adjectives like bello (bellissimo), grande (grandissimo), and divertente (divertentissimo), to express an intense quality without comparison.
  1. The superlative is formed by removing the last letter of the adjective and adding '-issimo' or '-issima'.
  2. The plural forms of the endings -issimi and -issime.
Aggettivo (Adjective)Superlativo assoluto (Absolute superlative)Esempio (Example)
BelloBellissimoLa casa è bellissima. (The house is beautiful.)
GrandeGrandissimoQuesto è un mazzo grandissimo di fiori. (This is a huge bunch of flowers.)
DivertenteDivertentissimoÈ stata una serata divertentissima. (It was a very funny evening.)
SimpaticoSimpaticissimoMarco è un amico simpaticissimo. (Marco is a very nice friend.)
InteressanteInteressantissimoQuesto gioco è interessantissimo. (This game is very interesting.)
FeliceFelicissimoErano felicissimi di vedersi. (They were very happy to see each other.)
BuonoBuonissimoIl caffè è buonissimo. (The coffee is very good.)

Exercise 1: Superlativi assoluti: issimo, -issima, ecc.

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

caldissimo, divertentissima, noiosissimo, freddissimo, buonissima, grandissimo, simpaticissimo

1. Noioso:
Il gioco da tavola è ..., cambiamo!
(The board game is really boring, let's change it!)
2. Caldo:
Quel caffè era ..., mi sono bruciato!
(That coffee was boiling hot, I burnt myself!)
3. Buono:
Questa pizza è ..., davvero speciale!
(This pizza is delicious, really special!)
4. Simpatico:
Il mio amico è ... con tutti.
(My friend is very nice to everyone.)
5. Grande:
Il luna park è ... e pieno di giochi.
(The amusement park is huge and full of rides.)
6. Grande:
L'ospite ha portato un mazzo ... di fiori.
(The guest brought a very large bunch of flowers.)
7. Freddo:
Ieri è stato un giorno ....
(Yesterday was a very cold day.)
8. Divertente:
La festa di ieri è stata ....
(Yesterday's party was great fun.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that correctly uses the absolute superlative according to the given rules.

1.
The ending "-issimo" is masculine singular and not correct for "cena" (feminine), plus a "i" is missing.
A "i" is missing in the correct ending "-issima".
2.
"Buonissima" is used with feminine singular subjects, while here "dolce" is masculine singular.
A "i" is missing in the ending "-issimo".
3.
Wrong and masculine ending for "serata" which is feminine.
A "i" is missing in the ending "-issima".
4.
"Grandissime" is feminine plural; "fiori" is masculine plural.
A "i" is missing in the ending "-issimi".

Understanding the Absolute Superlative in Italian

This lesson focuses on the superlativo assoluto, a grammatical structure used to emphasize adjectives in Italian. It strengthens the meaning of an adjective without comparison, indicating a very high degree of a quality.

How is the Absolute Superlative Formed?

To form the absolute superlative, you remove the last vowel of the adjective and add the suffix -issimo for masculine singular and -issima for feminine singular. For plurals, use -issimi (masculine) and -issime (feminine).

Examples

AdjectiveAbsolute SuperlativeExample Sentence
Bello (beautiful)Bellissimo / BellissimaLa casa è bellissima.
Grande (big)Grandissimo / GrandissimaQuesto è un mazzo grandissimo di fiori.
Divertente (fun)Divertentissimo / DivertentissimaÈ stata una serata divertentissima.
Simpatico (nice)Simpaticissimo / SimpaticaMarco è un amico simpaticissimo.
Interessante (interesting)Interessantissimo / InteressantissimaQuesto gioco è interessantissimo.
Felice (happy)Felicissimo / FelicissimaErano felicissimi di vedersi.
Buono (good)Buonissimo / BuonissimaIl caffè è buonissimo.

Important Notes on Usage

  • The suffix -issimo/-issima intensifies the adjective and agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes.
  • For plural adjectives, use -issimi (masculine) or -issime (feminine).
  • This form expresses a quality to an extreme degree without comparison to others.

Comparison with English

Unlike English, which typically forms superlatives by adding -est or using most, Italian uses the superlativo assoluto to intensify adjectives directly with suffixes.

Example phrases:

  • The Italian 'bellissimo' corresponds to 'very beautiful' or 'most beautiful' in English.
  • 'Divertentissimo' means 'extremely fun.'

Understanding these suffixes and how they change according to gender and number is essential for correct and natural expression in Italian.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Saturday, 30/08/2025 13:40