compare
/komˈpa.re/
The Italian word for buddy is compare.
The word compare is used to refer to a friend or a casual acquaintance. You can also use the phrase Amico mio as an informal way to say 'buddy'.
Meaning: friend or casual acquaintance (pron)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /komˈpa.re/.
Did you know?
- The word compare literally means 'co-father', coming from the Latin com- meaning 'together' and pater meaning 'father'.
- In many parts of Southern Italy, the related word cumpà is not just a casual term for a buddy, but a specific title for a person who has become a spiritual 'co-father' through a religious ceremony.
- Depending on the tone, compare can be used ironically to address someone you are actually arguing with, similar to how an English speaker might use 'pal'.
Examples in context
- Ciao, amico mio! Hai voglia di fare una partita di calcio?Hey, my friend! Do you feel like playing a game of soccer?
- È un mio vecchio compare.He is an old buddy of mine.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco meet at a cafe.
- GiuliaCiao Francesco! Come va, compare?Hi Francesco! How's it going, buddy?
- FrancescoTutto bene, Giulia. E tu?Everything is good, Giulia. And you?
- GiuliaBene, ho visto un tuo compare prima.Good, I saw a buddy of yours earlier.
- FrancescoAh, probabilmente era Marco!Ah, it was probably Marco!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry compare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
