amico intimo
/aˈmi.ko ˈin.ti.mo/word by word
The Italian phrase for "close friend" is amico intimo.
This phrase describes a person with whom one shares a very strong and private emotional bond.
Which one should you use?
While amico intimo emphasizes a deep emotional or private connection, the phrase amico stretto is a more literal translation often used to describe a very tight-knit social circle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the gender and number of the people being described. Use amica intima when referring to a female close friend. For a group of male close friends or a mixed-gender group, use the plural form amici intimi. If the group consists only of female close friends, use amiche intime.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /aˈmi.ko ˈin.ti.mo/. It has 6 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While amico intimo means 'close friend', using the word intimo as a noun in the plural refers to a person's underwear.
- Be cautious when using amico intimo in a romantic context. Because intimo can imply physical or sexual intimacy, using it to describe a friendship might inadvertently suggest a sexual relationship to an Italian listener.
- To describe a very close friend in a more casual way, Italians often use the word socio, which literally means 'partner' or 'associate'.
Examples in context
- È un mio amico intimo.He's a close friend of mine.This sentence is useful for saying 'He's a close friend of mine.' using amico intimo.Tatoeba #2768640 by Guybrush88, translation #2768636 by CK
- È un suo amico intimo.He's a close friend of hers.This sentence is useful for saying 'He's a close friend of hers.' using amico intimo.Tatoeba #8636920 by Guybrush88, translation #8537224 by CH
- Tom è un amico intimo.Tom is a close friend.This sentence is useful for saying 'Tom is a close friend.' using amico intimo.Tatoeba #9086402 by Guybrush88, translation #3023707 by CK
- È il mio compagno di vita, siamo amici da quando eravamo bambini.He is my life companion, we have been friends since we were kids.
- È la mia anima gemella, siamo amiche per la vita.She is my soul mate, we are friends for life.
- Lei è la mia migliore amica, ci conosciamo sin dall'infanzia.She is my best friend, we have known each other since childhood.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are discussing their social circles at a cafe.
- MatteoSofia, hai un amico intimo qui in città?Sofia, do you have a close friend here in the city?
- SofiaSì, ho un amico intimo che vive qui.Yes, I have a close friend who lives here.
- MatteoÈ un uomo molto gentile?Is he a very kind man?
- SofiaSì, è una persona fantastica.Yes, he is a fantastic person.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (amico, intimo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
