Italian Phrase
I costumi erano fantastici.
Meaning
The sentence means “The costumes were fantastic.” It is used to praise the quality, design, or visual impact of costumes after an event such as a theater performance, a carnival, or a fashion show.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on costumes you have just seen, typically in informal conversation or a casual review. It works well after a show, a parade, a costume party, or when describing traditional attire you observed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Icostumieranofantastici.
Definite article (I)
I is the plural masculine definite article, used before masculine plural nouns.
Noun (costumi)
Costumi is a masculine plural noun meaning “costumes” or “outfits”.
Imperfetto of essere (erano)
Erano is the third‑person plural imperfect of essere, used for past states or descriptions.
Adjective agreement (fantastici)
Fantastici is the masculine plural form of the adjective fantastico, matching the noun costumi in gender and number.
🗨In Conversation
Com'era lo spettacolo?
How was the show?
I costumi erano fantastici.
The costumes were fantastic.
✕Common Mistakes
I costumi sono fantastici.
Using the present tense ‘sono’ changes the meaning to ‘The costumes are fantastic’ which refers to the present, not a past event.
I costumi erano fantastico.
The adjective must agree in number with the noun; ‘fantastico’ (singular) is incorrect here.
I costumi era fantastici.
The verb must agree with the plural subject; ‘era’ is singular.
↔Alternatives
I vestiti erano splendidi.
The outfits were splendid.
I costumi erano meravigliosi.
The costumes were marvelous.
I costumi erano davvero eccezionali.
The costumes were truly exceptional.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, costumi can refer to theatrical costumes, carnival outfits, or even traditional regional clothing. When speaking about historical or regional dress, you might hear costumi tradizionali. The adjective fantastico is informal and enthusiastic, so it fits casual conversation or a lively review rather than a formal critique.