Bravo is an enthusiastic shout of approval, especially after a performance. When an audience yells “Bravo!” at the end of a concert or play, they're expressing their admiration and delight. It's more than ordinary applause: bravo signals that something truly impressed you.

The word comes from Italian, where it originally meant “brave” or “skillful.” Opera audiences in Italy began shouting it to praise exceptional singing, and the tradition spread worldwide. In formal settings, there are even different versions: brava for a female performer, bravi for a group, though in English we usually just say bravo for everyone.

You might also hear bravo used conversationally to congratulate someone on any achievement: “Bravo on winning the science fair!” In this context, it adds a touch of celebration and formality to your praise. Unlike a simple “good job,” saying bravo suggests the accomplishment deserved special recognition.

Bravo is also a communications code word representing the letter B in the NATO phonetic alphabet, used by pilots, soldiers, and radio operators to ensure clear communication: “Alpha, Bravo, Charlie” means A-B-C.