vicino
/viˈt͡ʃi.no/
The English word 'around' can be translated into Italian using several forms, most commonly vicino. Wiktionary also lists intorno a and verso.
Meaning: near (prep)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| vicino | /viˈt͡ʃi.no/ |
| intorno a | /inˈtor.no a/ |
| verso | /ˈvɛr.so/ |
Depending on the context, 'around' can describe proximity, movement or approximate time. Intorno a is used to describe position or movement in the vicinity of a central point, such as being 'around the table'. Verso is used specifically when referring to an approximate time. For formal discussions involving quantities or specific times, the word Circa can be used to mean 'approximately' or 'around'.
Which one should you use?
Use verso instead of intorno a when you are referring to an approximate time, such as 'around six o'clock'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using intorno a to mean 'around' a specific object or time, it must be followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/viˈtʃi.no/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of verso, which is vertere, means 'to turn'. This makes it a distant relative of the English word 'convert'.
- While vicino means 'near', it is also the noun used for 'neighbor' in Italian.
- Italian speakers may use the word attorno as a synonym for intorno a, but attorno does not always require the preposition a to function.
Examples in context
- Ho guardato intorno a me.I looked around me.This sentence shows the use of intorno a for position.Tatoeba #624959 by Guybrush88, translation #321857 by CK
- Mi chiamerà verso le sei.He'll call me around six.This sentence demonstrates how to use verso for an approximate time.Tatoeba #11721917 by Guybrush88, translation #3627312 by karloelkebekio
- Sarà qui verso le quattro.He'll be here around four o'clock.This sentence illustrates the use of verso when referring to an approximate time.Tatoeba #2455368 by Guybrush88, translation #288573 by CK
- L'appuntamento è previsto per le 7 di sera, circa.The appointment is scheduled for around 7 PM.
- Vengo verso le otto stasera.I'll come around eight o'clock tonight.
- La riunione è prevista per le 8 di sera, approssimativamente.The meeting is scheduled for around 8 PM.
- 157 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are looking for a cafe in the city.
- MatteoC'è un bar vicino a qui?Is there a cafe near here?
- SofiaSì, ce n'è uno proprio vicino.Yes, there is one very nearby.
- MatteoÈ vicino alla stazione?Is it near the station?
- SofiaNo, Sofia, è più vicino al parco.No, Sofia, it is closer to the park.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “around” translations and entries vicino, intorno a, verso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, intorno, verso, vicino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
