Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| compagno | /komˈpaɲ.ɲo/ | masculine |
| compagna | /komˈpaɲ.ɲa/ | feminine |
| convivente | /kon.viˈvɛn.te/ | masculine |
In a social or romantic context, you use compagno or compagna. To specify the type of partner, such as a dance partner or a travel companion, Italians use the idiomatic construction compagno di followed by the activity, for example compagno di viaggio (travel companion). The word Partner can also be used, specifically to indicate a same-sex partner.
Which one should you use?
While compagno or compagna can mean a romantic partner or a general companion, convivente is used specifically to describe a partner with whom one lives together, often in legal or administrative contexts. For business contexts, the terms Socio or Socia are used to refer to a partner or co-owner.
How does it change in a sentence?
compagno is the masculine form and compagna is the feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /komˈpaɲ.ɲo/.
Did you know?
- The word compagno shares a common root with the English word 'companion', but its deeper history is more literal: it comes from the Latin words meaning 'with' and 'bread'.
- In Italian political history, compagno was the standard term for 'comrade' used by members of the Communist Party.
- Be careful with socio/a in a romantic setting, as it can sound quite cold and transactional, as if you are discussing a contract rather than a relationship.
Examples in context
- Tom è il mio compagno.Tom is my partner.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as a partner using compagno.Tatoeba #1267809 by Guybrush88, translation #2273313 by CK
- Chi è il tuo compagno di danza?Who is your dance partner?This sentence shows how to specify a type of partner using the compagno di construction.Tatoeba #2520958 by Guybrush88, translation #70875 by CK
- Dipende emotivamente dal suo compagno.She's emotionally dependent on her partner.This sentence illustrates the use of compagno to describe a partner in an emotional context.Tatoeba #13887514 by Nuel, translation #13887513 by Nuel
- Voglio presentarvi il mio compagno di lavoroI want to introduce you to my business partner
- Abbiamo fondato questa azienda insieme e siamo sociWe founded this company together, and we are partners
- È il mio amico di lunga data e anche un ottimo collaboratoreHe is my long-time friend and also a great collaborator
- Il mio fidanzatoMy boyfriend
- La mia fidanzataMy girlfriend
- Il mio compagnoMy partner
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are at a party talking about their lives.
- GiuliaIl tuo compagno è molto gentile.Your partner is very kind.
- MatteoGrazie, è un uomo splendido.Thank you, he is a wonderful man.
- GiuliaSiete insieme da molto tempo?Have you been together for a long time?
- MatteoSì, viviamo insieme da due anni.Yes, we have been living together for two years.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “partner” translations and entries compagno, compagna, convivente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compagna, compagno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
