íntimo
Closely acquainted; familiar, private, or personal.
Íntimo denotes a deep, private connection or a space characterized by closeness and trust.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a very close and personal relationship.
- Describes private, inner, or confidential matters.
- Indicates a cozy and exclusive atmosphere.
Summary
Íntimo denotes a deep, private connection or a space characterized by closeness and trust.
- Refers to a very close and personal relationship.
- Describes private, inner, or confidential matters.
- Indicates a cozy and exclusive atmosphere.
Use with emotional depth
Reserve this word for people or places that hold significant personal meaning. It implies a level of trust that not everyone has access to.
Avoid overusing in professional settings
Using 'íntimo' in a formal business meeting might sound too personal or invasive. Stick to 'cercano' or 'profesional' in those cases.
Cultural nuance of privacy
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'intimidad' is highly valued. It represents a sacred space that is protected from outsiders.
Examples
4 of 4Tenemos una amistad muy íntima.
We have a very close friendship.
El autor revela detalles íntimos de su vida.
The author reveals intimate details of his life.
Busquemos un sitio más íntimo para hablar.
Let's find a more private place to talk.
La esfera íntima del individuo es inviolable.
The individual's private sphere is inviolable.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'in-time-o': it's for people you have spent a lot of 'time' with in 'inner' circles. It is the 'inner' (in) circle of trust.
Panorama General
La palabra 'íntimo' proviene del latín 'intimus', que significa 'lo más profundo' o 'lo más interior'. En español, este adjetivo abarca tanto el ámbito emocional como el físico. Define una proximidad que excluye a terceros, creando un espacio de confianza donde la vulnerabilidad y la autenticidad son posibles. Es una palabra cargada de matices afectivos y de respeto por la privacidad.
Patrones de Uso
Se utiliza principalmente para calificar sustantivos. Puede describir una relación (un amigo íntimo), un lugar (un rincón íntimo) o un sentimiento (un deseo íntimo). Al ser un adjetivo, concuerda en género y número con el sustantivo al que acompaña (íntima, íntimos, íntimas).
Contextos Comunes
Es frecuente encontrarlo en contextos personales, como al hablar de amistades de toda la vida. También se usa en el diseño de interiores o la arquitectura para describir lugares acogedores y privados. En la literatura o el periodismo, se emplea para referirse a confesiones personales o a la 'vida íntima' de una persona, marcando una frontera clara entre lo público y lo privado.
Comparación con Sinónimos
Mientras que 'cercano' sugiere proximidad física o relacional, 'íntimo' añade una capa de profundidad emocional y exclusividad. 'Privado' se enfoca más en la exclusión de otros, mientras que 'íntimo' se enfoca en la conexión especial que existe dentro de ese círculo cerrado.
Usage Notes
Use 'íntimo' when you want to emphasize a deep emotional bond or a private setting. It is more intense than 'cercano'. Avoid using it in strictly professional or cold contexts as it implies personal closeness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'íntimo' to mean simply 'close' in distance, but it is better suited for relationships or atmosphere. Remember to check gender and number agreement, as it is an adjective.
Memory Tip
Think of 'in-time-o': it's for people you have spent a lot of 'time' with in 'inner' circles. It is the 'inner' (in) circle of trust.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'intimus', the superlative of 'interior', meaning 'innermost'. It reflects the idea of the deepest part of one's self or life.
Cultural Context
In Hispanic culture, the home and personal life are often considered 'íntimos'. Respecting someone's 'intimidad' is a sign of good manners and social intelligence.
Examples
Tenemos una amistad muy íntima.
everydayWe have a very close friendship.
El autor revela detalles íntimos de su vida.
formalThe author reveals intimate details of his life.
Busquemos un sitio más íntimo para hablar.
informalLet's find a more private place to talk.
La esfera íntima del individuo es inviolable.
academicThe individual's private sphere is inviolable.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
en la intimidad
in private
conocer a alguien íntimamente
to know someone intimately
Often Confused With
Cercano refers to physical or emotional proximity without necessarily implying the deep level of trust or secrecy that 'íntimo' carries.
Privado means restricted or not public. While 'íntimo' is also private, it adds a layer of emotional warmth or personal significance.
Grammar Patterns
Use with emotional depth
Reserve this word for people or places that hold significant personal meaning. It implies a level of trust that not everyone has access to.
Avoid overusing in professional settings
Using 'íntimo' in a formal business meeting might sound too personal or invasive. Stick to 'cercano' or 'profesional' in those cases.
Cultural nuance of privacy
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'intimidad' is highly valued. It represents a sacred space that is protected from outsiders.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta.
Ellos son amigos ___ desde la infancia.
Como 'amigos' es plural masculino, el adjetivo debe concordar en plural masculino.
Elige el significado correcto.
¿Qué implica un 'ambiente íntimo'?
Íntimo sugiere exclusividad y comodidad, no espacios públicos o ruidosos.
Ordena la frase.
es / muy / su / diario / íntimo / secreto
El adjetivo 'íntimo' describe la naturaleza privada del diario.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsAunque son similares, 'amigo íntimo' implica un nivel de confianza mucho mayor. Se usa para amistades profundas donde se comparten secretos y sentimientos personales.
Sí, se utiliza para describir espacios pequeños, acogedores y privados. Por ejemplo, un restaurante íntimo es aquel que es tranquilo y permite una conversación privada.
Puede tenerla, ya que 'la intimidad' a menudo se refiere a la vida sexual o romántica. Sin embargo, su uso principal es sobre la confianza emocional y la privacidad.
Como adjetivo terminado en 'o', su plural es 'íntimos' para el masculino y 'íntimas' para el femenino. Se ajusta siempre al sustantivo que describe.
This Word in Other Languages
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