Each Other in Italian
L’un L’altro
The most explicit way to say “each other” in Italian is by using the phrase l’un l’altro (literally “the one the other”). This construction is often used in formal or specific contexts.
It is used in the singular form only, and translates to “one another” or “each other”. It varies depending on the gender of the people involved in the mutual action:
- L’un l’altro – for males or a mixed group
- L’un l’altra – for females
As you can see, the first item – l’un – remains always the same in both genders. It is affected by the phenomenon of truncation, aimed at making the pronunciation smoother.
Giacomo ed io ci rispettiamo l’un l’altro.
Giacomo and I respect each other.
Le nostre figlie si aiutano l’un l’altra.
Our daughters help each other.
Notice also that when you use this construction to express “each other” you still need reflexive pronouns to fulfil the meaning of reciprocity.
As in most cases, these pronouns precede the verb they refer to, as you might have learned already studying the rules about pronouns placement. Let me show you more examples:
I colleghi si sostengono l’un l’altro durante le difficoltà.
The colleagues support each other during tough times.
Le due amiche si incoraggiano l’un l’altra prima dell’esame.
The two friends encourage each other before the exam.
“L’un L’altro” with Prepositions
In the examples I showed you before, I used transitive verbs only. This means that these verbs need no prepositions to be linked to their corresponding direct object.
However, when dealing with intransitive verbs, prepositions are needed, also when you want to use the construction l’un l’altro.
Depending on the type of relationship you want to express, you will have to use one or another preposition. However, their placement is always the same: between the two words, for example:
L’uno con l’altro.
One with the other.
L’una per l’altra.
One for the other.
As you can see, when you use prepositions, the first word uno or una – depending on the gender – is no longer truncated. Let me show you some contextualized examples:
Metti i libri l’uno sull’altro.
Put the books one on top of each other.
Andiamo a casa l’una dell’altra per finire il progetto.
We go to each other’s place to finish the project.
Of course, since you’re dealing with intransitive verbs, reflexive pronouns are not used here.
Also, notice that when you use the preposition di to specify belongings, as in the second sentence, you can also move the word that expresses the item belonging to the two parties and place it in the middle of the expression.
As follows, I will show you what I mean by this with some examples:
Andiamo l’una a casa dell’altra per finire il progetto.
We go to each other’s place to finish the project.
Conosciamo l’uno i genitori dell’altro.
We know each other’s parents.
Pronouns
Another very common and natural way to express “each other” in Italian is through reflexive pronouns. I already mentioned before that these pronouns are fundamental when using the expression l’un l’altro.
However, they can also be used with reflexive verbs only to convey the idea of mutual action without explicitly using l’un l’altro. Of course, only plural ones can be used, otherwise the concept of reciprocity does not make sense:
- Ci – for noi (we):
Ci vediamo domani.
We see each other tomorrow.
- Vi – for voi (you plural):
Vi conoscete?
Do you know each other?
- Si – for loro (they):
Si incontrano ogni settimana.
They meet each other every week.
“A Vicenda”: an Alternative
A vicenda is another common and versatile way to express “each other” or “one another” in Italian. Unlike l’un l’altro, it is more informal and frequently used in everyday conversations.
The phrase a vicenda is an adverbial phrase, meaning it is used as an adverb. It indicates reciprocity, and it does not change form based on gender or number. For example:
Giacomo ed io ci aiutiamo a vicenda.
Giacomo and I help each other.
Le squadre si rispettano a vicenda.
The teams respect each other.
