vecchio amico
/ˈvɛk.kjo aˈmi.ko/word by word
The Italian phrase for "old friend" is vecchio amico.
The phrase vecchio amico is used to describe a person who has been a friend for a long time.
Which one should you use?
In Italian, the placement of the adjective is important for meaning. Using vecchio amico refers to the long duration of the friendship, whereas the alternative amico vecchio would imply that the friend is an elderly person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes its gender and number to match the person or group you are describing. Use vecchia amica for an old female friend. For a group of old friends consisting of males or a mixed group of males and females, use vecchi amici. If the group consists only of female friends, use vecchie amiche.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word vecchio is thought to have evolved from the Latin word vitulus, meaning 'bull calf'.
- While vecchio amico describes the friendship, calling someone a vecchio on its own is often considered an insult or a rude way to call someone 'old'.
- If an Italian says un vecchio amico di famiglia, they are often referring to a family friend who may have known their parents or grandparents, not just a personal friend.
Examples in context
- Sono un vecchio amico.I'm an old friend.This sentence is useful for practicing how to identify yourself as a vecchio amico.Tatoeba #2564949 by Guybrush88, translation #2549081 by CK
- Vidi un vecchio amico.I saw an old friend.This sentence is useful for describing the action of seeing a vecchio amico.Tatoeba #13749946 by Guybrush88, translation #13376305 by Nicat
- È un mio vecchio amico.He's an old friend of mine.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a vecchio amico of yours.Tatoeba #666791 by rado, translation #881498 by CM
- Ho incontrato il mio vecchio amico ieri seraI met my old friend last night
- Sono molto lieto di rivedere la mia vecchia amicaI am very glad to see my old friend
- Ho invitato alcuni vecchi compagni a cenaI invited some old friends for dinner
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo introduces a person to Sofia at a party.
- MatteoSofia, ti presento un mio vecchio amico.Sofia, let me introduce you to an old friend of mine.
- SofiaPiacere di conoscerti!Nice to meet you!
- MatteoCi conosciamo fin dai tempi della scuola.We've known each other since school days.
- SofiaChe bello avere un vecchio amico qui.How lovely to have an old friend here.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (vecchio, amico) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amico, vecchio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
