Meaning
Indicating proximity.
Cultural Background
In Italian 'centri storici' (historic centers), buildings are often 'accanto' to each other with no space in between, sharing structural walls. This has created a culture of extreme physical proximity. When walking in a group (the 'passeggiata'), Italians prefer to walk 'accanto' (side-by-side) rather than in a line. This facilitates conversation and social bonding. In Renaissance art, the 'Sacra Conversazione' depicts saints standing 'accanto' to the Madonna. The proximity indicates their spiritual importance. It is common for Italian adult children to live 'accanto' (next door) to their parents, maintaining close ties while having separate homes.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the 'a'. It's the bridge that connects 'accanto' to the rest of the sentence.
Avoid 'Di'
English speakers often say 'accanto di' because of 'next of'. This is a major red flag for native speakers.
Meaning
Indicating proximity.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember the 'a'. It's the bridge that connects 'accanto' to the rest of the sentence.
Avoid 'Di'
English speakers often say 'accanto di' because of 'next of'. This is a major red flag for native speakers.
Adverbial Use
You can use 'accanto' alone at the end of a sentence if the object is obvious. 'La banca è qui accanto.'
Emotional Weight
Using 'stare accanto' for a person is a very warm, supportive thing to say. Use it with friends in need.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'accanto a' (remember the articles!).
La sedia è ______ (il) tavolo.
Accanto + a + il = accanto al.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Accanto' always requires the preposition 'a'.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Dov'è il bagno? B: È la porta ______ camera da letto.
'Camera' is feminine, so 'a' + 'la' = 'alla'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Ti starò sempre accanto.'
This is the figurative/emotional use of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Accanto vs Vicino
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLa sedia è ______ (il) tavolo.
Accanto + a + il = accanto al.
Choose the correct option:
'Accanto' always requires the preposition 'a'.
A: Dov'è il bagno? B: È la porta ______ camera da letto.
'Camera' is feminine, so 'a' + 'la' = 'alla'.
Phrase: 'Ti starò sempre accanto.'
This is the figurative/emotional use of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it is more precise. 'Accanto a' means 'next to', while 'vicino a' means 'near'.
No, that is incorrect. You must always use 'a', so it is 'accanto a me'.
You use 'accanto alle'. For example: 'Accanto alle sedie'.
No, it can also mean 'alongside' in a metaphorical sense, like 'Accanto al lavoro, studio anche l'italiano'.
They are almost identical. 'A fianco a' is slightly more common when talking about people standing side-by-side.
No, 'accanto' is strictly for space or metaphorical support. For time, use 'vicino a' (near to a certain time) or 'prossimo'.
Yes, it is standard Italian and used from Milan to Sicily.
In Italian, prepositions like 'a' must merge with definite articles to create a single word.
Yes, in formal contexts: 'Accanto alla musica, ama la pittura' (Besides music, he loves painting).
It is primarily an adverb that functions as a preposition when paired with 'a'.
Related Phrases
a fianco a
synonymside by side
vicino a
similarnear to
di fronte a
contrastopposite / in front of
allato a
specialized format the side of
appresso a
similarfollowing / near
