un amico
/un aˈmi.ko/word by word
In Italian, 'a friend' is expressed as un amico.
The phrase refers to a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection and trust.
Which one should you use?
Use un amico to refer to a male friend. If you are referring to a female friend, use un'amica.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on gender and number. Use un amico for a male friend or to refer to a group of friends of mixed genders. To refer specifically to a female friend, use un'amica. The plural form of the noun is amici.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /un aˈmi.ko/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase amico del cuore is used to describe an inseparable, very close friend, which literally translates to 'friend of the heart'.
- In Italy, the term amico can be used in a sarcastic or ironic way to address someone you are actually arguing with, similar to using 'pal' or 'buddy' in English during a confrontation.
- The word amico shares the same root as the English word 'amicable', which describes a friendly or peaceable relationship.
Examples in context
- Tom è un amico.Tom is a friend.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as un amico.Tatoeba #2611832 by Guybrush88, translation #2272803 by CK
- Lei è un amico.You're a friend.This sentence is useful for telling someone that they are un amico.Tatoeba #3552637 by Guybrush88, translation #2218017 by CK
- Lui è un amico?Is he a friend?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is un amico.Tatoeba #4131480 by Guybrush88, translation #2684425 by CH
- Ero felice di incontrare il mio vecchio amico oggi.I was happy to meet my old friend today.
- I miei amici sono venuti a trovarmi durante le vacanze.My friends came to visit me during the holidays.
- Ciao amichetto mio! Come stai?Hello my dear friend! How are you?
- Amico mio, mi sei mancato tanto!My friend, I missed you so much!
- 329 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are talking about their social plans.
- MartinaHai un piano per stasera?Do you have plans for tonight?
- AlessandroSì, esco con un amico.Yes, I am going out with a friend.
- MartinaÈ un tuo vecchio amico?Is he an old friend of yours?
- AlessandroSì, lo conosco da anni.Yes, I have known him for years.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (un, amico) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amico, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
