Adjectives and adverbs: 'buono' vs. 'bene'
In English, we often use the word "good" to describe both a tasty pizza and how we are feeling. Italian, however, draws a strict line between describing a noun and describing an action. This means you have to choose carefully between adjectives like buono and adverbs like bene.
When you want to describe a person, a place or a thing, you use an adjective. Adjectives change their endings to match the gender and number of the noun they describe. In Italian, buono and cattivo are adjectives.
On the other hand, when you want to describe how an action is done or a state of being, you use an adverb. Adverbs always stay the same, which means their endings never change. In Italian, bene and male are adverbs.
The most common mistake English speakers make is translating "I am good" literally. In Italian, to express how you are doing or feeling, you use the verb stare (to stay or be) combined with an adverb.
If you say someone is buono, you are describing their character. It means they are a good, kind person.
The same strict rule applies when you want to say something is better or worse. You must choose between the adjectives migliore and peggiore, and the adverbs meglio and peggio.
Use the adjectives to compare nouns. They will change to match the number of the nouns they describe.
Use the adverbs to compare actions. They will always stay the exact same.
Remember to check what you are describing. If you are describing a thing or a person, use adjectives like buono, cattivo, migliore or peggiore. If you are describing an action or how you feel, use adverbs that never change their endings like bene, male, meglio or peggio.