Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| vicino a | /viˈt͡ʃi.no a/ (word by word) |
| accanto | /akˈkan.to/ |
| vicino | /viˈt͡ʃi.no/ |
| a fianco |
The phrase vicino a can mean both 'next to' and 'near to' depending on the context. You may also use a fianco di to mean 'beside' or 'at the side of'.
Which one should you use?
The word accanto implies a much closer proximity (directly beside) than vicino, which can mean anywhere in the vicinity. While a fianco a is used, a fianco di is a very common alternative for saying 'beside' or 'at the side of'. Additionally, a lato di can be used instead of accanto a with the same meaning and level of formality.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the adverb accanto as a preposition, it must be followed by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
/viˈtʃi.no a/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use accanto alone as a preposition (e.g., 'accanto me'), but it requires a (e.g., 'accanto a me').
Did you know?
- The phrase a fianco di can be used to describe not just physical proximity, but also loyalty, such as standing 'beside' someone during a difficult time.
- The word accanto is built from the prefix 'a-' and the word canto, which literally means 'corner' or 'edge'.
- If you use the word fianco to mean 'beside', you are linguistically referencing a 'flank' or the side of a body.
Examples in context
- È accanto a me.He is next to me.This sentence is useful for saying someone is next to you using accanto.Tatoeba #4459028 by Guybrush88, translation #4457512 by LB
- Vive accanto a me.He lives next to me.Tatoeba #1246330 by Guybrush88, translation #298017 by CK
- Vivo accanto a lui.I live next to him.Tatoeba #5771086 by Guybrush88, translation #3906988 by CH
- La biblioteca si trova accanto all'ufficio postaleThe library is located next to the post office
- Il museo è vicino all'albergoThe museum is next to the hotel
- Il mio amico abita di fianco a meMy friend lives next to me
- La scuola si trova accanto al parco.The school is located next to the park.
- La mia casa è di fianco alla stazione.My house is next to the train station.
- Il ristorante è vicino al mareThe restaurant is close to the sea
- 293 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are looking for a place to sit in a crowded cafe.
- SofiaC'è un posto libero vicino a te?Is there a free seat next to you?
- MatteoSì, siediti qui vicino a me.Yes, sit here next to me.
- SofiaGrazie, sono molto stanca.Thanks, I am very tired.
- MatteoPrenditi un momento di relax.Take a moment to relax.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “next to” translations and entries accanto, vicino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (vicino, a) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, accanto, fianco, vicino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
