Signification
Describing someone's personality.
Contexte culturel
Being 'simpatico' is often considered more important than being 'bravo' (good/skilled) in social settings. It is the ultimate social lubricant. In Rome, 'simpatia' is often linked to 'la battuta' (the joke). A 'simpatico' person is someone who always has a witty comeback. Neapolitan 'simpatia' is deeply tied to warmth, theatricality, and hospitality. It's about making someone feel like family immediately. Tuscan 'simpatia' can be sharp and satirical. It's often expressed through 'vernacolo' (dialect) and a bit of friendly teasing.
False Friend Alert
Remember: Simpatico ≠ Sympathetic. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
The 'O' to 'A' Switch
Always check the gender of the person you are talking about. If it's a woman, it's 'simpatica'!
Signification
Describing someone's personality.
False Friend Alert
Remember: Simpatico ≠ Sympathetic. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
The 'O' to 'A' Switch
Always check the gender of the person you are talking about. If it's a woman, it's 'simpatica'!
Use it often!
Italians love to use this word. Don't be afraid to use it to show you appreciate someone's personality.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'simpatico'.
Maria è una ragazza molto ______.
Since Maria is feminine singular, the adjective must end in -a.
What does 'È molto simpatico' mean in English?
Lui è molto simpatico.
'Simpatico' is a false friend; it describes a pleasant personality, not sympathy.
Match the Italian sentence to the English translation.
Match the forms:
Matching gender and number is key to Italian adjectives.
Choose the best response.
A: Hai conosciuto il nuovo vicino? B: Sì, ______.
'Il vicino' is masculine singular, so 'è molto simpatico' is the correct response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Forms of Simpatico
Singular
- • Simpatico (m)
- • Simpatica (f)
Plural
- • Simpatici (m/mixed)
- • Simpatiche (f)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMaria è una ragazza molto ______.
Since Maria is feminine singular, the adjective must end in -a.
Lui è molto simpatico.
'Simpatico' is a false friend; it describes a pleasant personality, not sympathy.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Matching gender and number is key to Italian adjectives.
A: Hai conosciuto il nuovo vicino? B: Sì, ______.
'Il vicino' is masculine singular, so 'è molto simpatico' is the correct response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsUsually no. Use 'divertente' (funny) or 'bello' (good/beautiful). 'Simpatico' is almost exclusively for people or animals.
Yes, it's neutral. It's a compliment to their personality. However, in a very formal letter, you might use 'cordiale'.
The opposite is 'antipatico' (unpleasant/dislikable).
Not when it's an adverb modifying an adjective. It's always 'molto simpatico' or 'molto simpatica'.
Expressions liées
Essere alla mano
similarTo be down-to-earth
Essere antipatico
contrastTo be unpleasant/dislikable
Fare simpatia
builds onTo inspire likability
Simpaticissimo
specialized formExtremely likable
