accanto a
/akˈkan.to a/word by word
The English phrase 'next door' is translated into Italian as accanto a.
The phrase accanto a is used as an adverb to indicate being in an adjacent home or place.
Meaning: in the adjacent home or place (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using accanto a, the preposition 'a' will combine with definite articles depending on the noun that follows. Use accanto al when followed by a masculine singular noun starting with a consonant. Use accanto alla when followed by a feminine singular noun. Use accanto agli when followed by a masculine plural noun starting with a vowel or s+consonant.
Did you know?
- The word accanto is built from the word canto, which means 'corner' or 'edge'. To say someone is 'next to' you is literally to say they are 'at the corner' of you.
- In Italian, the concept of being 'next door' is expressed by the idea of being 'beside' something rather than specifically behind a door.
- If you are talking about the person living 'next door', you wouldn't use the adverbial phrase accanto a, but rather the noun vicino or vicina.
Examples in context
- Tom vive accanto a me.Tom lives next door to me.Tatoeba #5632455 by Guybrush88, translation #4700105 by CK
- Viveva proprio accanto a noi.He lived right next door.Tatoeba #11721557 by Nuel, translation #11721555 by Nuel
- Vivo accanto al negozio di giocattoli.I live next door to the toy shop.Tatoeba #2178218 by Guybrush88, translation #253251 by CK
- Il ristorante si trova di fianco al negozio.The restaurant is located next door to the store.
- La casa adiacente alla nostra è appena stata ristrutturata.The house next door to ours has just been renovated.
- Il negozio del mio amico è attaccato a casa mia.My friend's store is next door to my house.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are looking for a specific apartment in a hallway.
- LorenzoScusa Martina, sai dove abita il nuovo vicino?Excuse me Martina, do you know where the new neighbor lives?
- MartinaSì, vive proprio accanto a noi.Yes, he lives right next door to us.
- LorenzoAh, capisco. È una brava persona?Ah, I see. Is he a good person?
- MartinaSì, Lorenzo, è molto tranquillo.Yes, Lorenzo, he is very quiet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “next door” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (accanto, a) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, accanto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
