A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This fits perfectly" in Italian
Italian phrase for when something fits you perfectly, especially clothes or accessories.
Questo mi sta a pennello.
KWES-toh mee STAH ah pen-NEL-lohcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when trying on clothes or shoes in a boutique or market stall. It's also great for accessories like hats or scarves that fit just right.
Alternatives
- Questo mi va benissimo.A more general, less idiomatic way to say it fits very well.
- È perfetto per me.This focuses on the item being perfect for you, rather than the fit itself.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'perfetto' too literally
While 'perfetto' means perfect, 'a pennello' is the specific idiom for a perfect fit.
Confusing 'stare' and 'andare'
For clothing fit, 'stare' is generally preferred over 'andare'.
A small cultural note
The idiom 'a pennello' literally means 'like a paintbrush,' evoking a precise, clean fit. It's a colorful and widely understood expression.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'sta a pennello' and 'va benissimo'?
'Sta a pennello' is more specific and idiomatic, meaning it fits like a glove. 'Va benissimo' is more general, meaning it fits very well.
Can I use 'a pennello' for anything other than clothes?
Yes, you can use it for anything that fits precisely, like a tool in a holder or a piece of furniture in a space.
Is 'a pennello' too informal for a fancy shop?
It's generally casual, so you might opt for 'va benissimo' or 'è perfetto per me' in very high-end or formal settings.
