Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amico | /aˈmi.ko/ | masculine |
| compagno | /komˈpaɲ.ɲo/ | masculine |
| camerata | /ka.meˈra.ta/ | masculine |
Depending on the English context, 'mate' can refer to a general friend, a person sharing a specific activity or space or a comrade in a political sense.
Which one should you use?
amico is the standard, general word for a friend or someone one is friendly with. compagno implies a person who shares a specific activity, space or life stage, such as a classmate or a life partner. camerata is a highly specific term used to refer to a comrade or fellow member of a political movement, often carrying fascist or highly formal political connotations.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine. To refer to a female friend, change the masculine amico to the feminine amica. To refer to a female companion or partner, change the masculine compagno to the feminine compagna.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of amico is /aˈmi.ko/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word compagno literally comes from the Late Latin roots for 'sharing bread', referring to someone you eat with.
- While amico is the standard translation, Italians often use the word socio to mean 'mate' when referring to a partner in crime or a close accomplice.
- Using the word camerata today is extremely rare and risky because it is strongly associated with the vocabulary of Mussolini's fascist regime.
Examples in context
- Si è innamorato del suo compagno di banco.He fell in love with his desk mate.This sentence shows how to use compagno to mean a desk mate.Tatoeba #11575649 by Nuel, translation #11575647 by Nuel
- Grazie, amico!Thanks, mate!This sentence shows how to use amico as a friendly address.Tatoeba #5573812 by Guybrush88, translation #6310957 by sundown
- Non avrei mai pensato di avere la fortuna di trovare un compagno.I never thought I'd be lucky enough to get a mate.This sentence shows how to use compagno in the sense of a partner.Tatoeba #11815205 by Nuel, translation #11815204 by Nuel
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are meeting a common acquaintance at a cafe.
- FrancescoGuarda, ecco che arriva il mio amico!Look, here comes my mate!
- GiuliaNon lo vedevo da tantissimo tempo.I haven't seen him in a very long time.
- FrancescoSì, è un vero amico d'infanzia.Yes, he is a true childhood mate.
- GiuliaChe bello rivederlo dopo anni.How lovely to see him again after years.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mate” translations and entries amico, compagno, camerata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amico, camerata, compagno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
