Why We Chose Pento Meaning Name Evolution Bento Grid.
The most common question we get asked is: "Why the name Pento?" Here's the transparent, slightly philosophical, and surprisingly logical answer.
The Italian Connection
In Italian, the verb pentirsi means to repent or regret. "Pento" is the first-person singular present indicative. Translation: "I regret."
We chose this because we deeply regret that we lost 'Bento' this year to corporate minimalism.
The web used to be a vibrant, expressive place. The original 'Bento grid' concept promised structure, but quickly devolved into rigid, identical-looking templates across the internet. Everyone's digital identity started looking exactly the same. We regretted that loss of creativity.
Moving Forward (Penta)
But there's a brighter secondary meaning. The prefix Penta- means 'five' (derived from Greek pente). If you look closely at standard grid systems, they often rely on boring symmetrical 4-block quadrants. The number five introduces asymmetry-a dynamic, living, breathing layout that forces creativity and breaks the mold.
Pento is our answer to the regret. It's the fifth element. It's the structure you need, but the freedom you deserve.