Do you want to impress an Italian? Use the slang term “fratello” for friend! With this guide, you can learn how to sound like a local.
Slang terms for friendship in Italian
In Italian, there are several slang terms to express the concept of friendship. These colloquial phrases demonstrate the closeness between individuals. Here are three common slang terms for friendship in Italian:
- ‘Fratello’: Derived from the word ‘fratello’, meaning ‘brother’, this term symbolizes loyalty and support similar to a brotherly bond.
- ‘Amico del cuore’: Translating to ‘friend of the heart’, this phrase emphasizes the emotional connection and affection in a genuine friendship.
- ‘Compagno di avventura’: Meaning ‘adventure companion’, this expression portrays friendship as a shared journey of excitement and exploration.
These slang terms show the diverse ways Italians express their affinity for their friends. They emphasize emotional bonds, loyalty, and shared experiences in fostering true friendships.
To dive into Italian language and culture, it is essential to not only learn formal expressions but also understand how Italians refer to their friends with slang. By using these colloquial phrases, you can strengthen your connections with Italians.
Italian terms like ‘bro’ and ‘sis
- Fratello: A casual, friendly way of addressing a male friend in Italian slang.
- Sorella: A term for ‘sister’ used to refer to female friends or those close to you.
Let’s see some examples:
Italian: “Ciao, fratello! Come stai oggi?”
English: “Hey, bro! How are you today?”
Italian: “Sorella, sei la mia migliore amica.”
English: “Sis, you’re my best friend.”
Italian: “Io e mio fratello siamo molto uniti.”
English: “My brother and I are very close.”
Italian: “Sorella, non so cosa farei senza di te.”
English: “Sister, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Italian: “I ragazzi sono come fratelli per me.”
English: “Guys are like brothers to me.”
Italian: “Abbiamo attraversato così tante cose insieme, siamo come fratelli e sorelle.”
English: “We’ve been through so much together, we’re like brothers and sisters.”
Italian: “Ciao, sorellina! Ti presento il mio amico, Marco.”
English: “Hello, little sis! Let me introduce you to my friend, Marco.”
Italian: “Fratello, hai bisogno di aiuto con i compiti?”
English: “Bro, do you need help with your homework?”
Italian: “Sorella, mi manchi molto quando sei lontana.”
English: “Sis, I miss you a lot when you’re away.”
Italian: “Siamo come fratelli e sorelle, non c’è segreto che non possiamo condividere.”
English: “We’re like brothers and sisters, there’s no secret we can’t share.”
How to talk to your friends in Italian?
Choose the right formality for the relationship and remember slang terms can help convey familiarity and strengthen bonds.
To express closeness, you can choose a couple of ways to greet your male friend.
| 1. | Begin with a friendly greeting. “Ciao!” or “Salve!” are casual and common. |
| 2. | To refer to a friend neutrally, use “amico”, which means “friend”. |
| 3. | To show camaraderie, use “compagno”. This conveys a strong bond and means “buddy” or “mate”. |
| 4. | For an even deeper friendship, use “fratello”. This symbolizes loyalty and brotherhood. |
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