buon amico
/ˈbwɔn aˈmi.ko/word by word
The Italian phrase for "good friend" is buon amico.
buon amico is used to describe a person who is a close and trusted companion. For expressing affection among close friends, you might use the informal term Amico/a caro/a (dear friend) or use Amico/a del cuore (friend of the heart) to emphasize a deep emotional connection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes based on gender and number. When referring to a female friend, use the feminine form buona amica. For a group of male friends or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural buoni amici. If the group consists only of female friends, use the feminine plural buone amiche. In the masculine singular form buon amico, the adjective buono shortens to buon because it is placed before the masculine noun amico which begins with a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbwɔn aˈmi.ko/
Did you know?
- In Italy, the word amico can be used ironically to address a stranger or an opponent in a confrontational way, similar to how 'pal' or 'buddy' is used in English sarcasm.
- When Italians want to say they are 'close friends', they often use the adjective stretto meaning 'tight', as in siamo amici stretti.
- If you are looking for a 'best friend' in a casual, slangy way, Italians often use the term socio (partner/associate) or even frà (short for brother) among young people.
Examples in context
- Sei un buon amico.You're a good friend.This sentence is useful for saying 'You're a good friend.' using buon amico.Tatoeba #3850010 by valealb, translation #1895636 by CK
- Era un buon amico.He was a good friend.This sentence is useful for saying 'He was a good friend.' using buon amico.Tatoeba #4897245 by Guybrush88, translation #755172 by vicch
- Tom è un buon amico.Tom is a good friend.This sentence is useful for saying 'Tom is a good friend.' using buon amico.Tatoeba #2037742 by Guybrush88, translation #1868240 by CK
- Luca è un buon amicoLuca is a good friend
- Maria è un'amica fidataMaria is a trusted friend
- Giulia è un'amica speciale per meGiulia is a special friend to me
- Marco è un caro amicoMarco is a dear friend
- Sono fortunato ad avere tanti buoni amici nella mia vita.I'm lucky to have many good friends in my life.
- Giovanni è il mio amico fidato da quando eravamo bambini.Giovanni has been my trusted friend since we were children.
- Claudia è una persona speciale e un'amica del cuore.Claudia is a special person and a friend of the heart.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are talking about a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- ChiaraMarco è un buon amico.Marco is a good friend.
- MatteoSì, è una persona molto affidabile.Yes, he is a very reliable person.
- ChiaraLui è sempre stato un buon amico per me.He has always been a good friend to me.
- MatteoLo so, è un grande uomo.I know, he is a great man.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (buon, amico) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
