amante
/aˈman.te/
The Italian phrase for side piece is amante.
The term amante is used to describe a person with whom someone has a secret romantic or sexual relationship while being committed to another person. While it can be translated generally as 'lover', in the context of an affair, it specifically refers to the person involved in the infidelity, functioning much like the English terms 'side piece' or 'mistress'.
Which one should you use?
The colloquial term avventura (meaning 'adventure') is used to describe a short-term relationship or passionate affair on the side.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun amante is invariable, which means its form does not change to indicate whether the person being referred to is masculine or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /aˈman.te/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the term amante can be used to describe a person who is simply passionate about a hobby or subject. For example, an amante dell'arte is an 'art lover' rather than a romantic partner.
- In certain romantic or poetic contexts, calling someone your amante can actually be a high compliment, whereas in a social scandal, it is strictly a term of infidelity.
- The word amante comes from the Latin verb 'amare', meaning 'to love'.
Examples in context
- Marco ha un'amante segreta.Marco has a secret side piece.
- Abbiamo scoperto la sua compagna di scappatella.We found out about his side piece.
- Marta è andata in vacanza con la sua scappatella.Marta went on vacation with her side piece.
- Lui ha una amante segreta.He has a secret lover.
- Lei è solo la sua amante.She is just his side piece.
- Non voglio essere la tua amante.I don't want to be your lover.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are having a heated argument in a cafe.
- FrancescoChiara, per favore, capiscimi.Chiara, please, understand me.
- ChiaraNon voglio essere la tua amante, Francesco.I don't want to be your side piece, Francesco.
- FrancescoTi amo davvero.I really love you.
- ChiaraSì, ma hai già una moglie.Yes, but you already have a wife.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
