When you want to describe two things that are right next to each other, so close they might even be touching or sharing a boundary, you can use the Italian adjective contiguo.
It's a useful word for describing physical proximity, like buildings or pieces of land. Think of it as 'adjacent' or 'adjoining' in English.
You'll often hear it in more formal contexts, but it's clear and direct.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'contiguous' in English. It's a direct cognate!
Visual Association
Imagine two countries on a map, literally touching each other at their borders. Or two building blocks placed right next to each other, sharing a side.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe two things in your house or neighborhood that are 'contiguo'. For example, 'Il mio ufficio è contiguo alla cucina.' (My office is next to the kitchen.)
Test Yourself 12 questions
This sentence describes a white house.
This sentence means 'I eat an apple'.
This sentence means 'The boy runs fast'.
Le due città sono così ___ che sembrano una sola.
The context implies the cities are very close and almost form one, which aligns with 'contigue' (adjoining/contiguous).
Il mio ufficio è ___ al tuo, quindi possiamo vederci spesso.
If offices are 'contiguo', they are next to each other, allowing frequent meetings.
Abbiamo comprato due appezzamenti di terreno ___ per costruire le nostre case.
To build houses next to each other, you'd buy 'contigui' (adjoining) plots of land.
I due paesi sono ___ e condividono un lungo confine.
Countries sharing a long border are 'contigui' (contiguous).
Per la sicurezza, le aree di deposito devono essere non ___ alle zone di produzione.
For safety, storage areas should not be 'contigue' (adjoining) to production areas.
Il parco è ___ al fiume, creando un bel paesaggio naturale.
A park next to a river is 'contiguo' (adjoining) to it, creating a beautiful natural landscape.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
abbagliare
C1To dazzle or blind with light or beauty
abbaglio
C1A serious mistake or misconception.
abbreviare
B1To make something shorter.
abnegazione
C1Self-sacrifice or renunciation of one's own interests
accadere
B1To happen or occur.
accadimento
B2An event, occurrence, or happening.
accaduto
B1What happened or the event that occurred.
accanito
C1Fierce, persistent, or relentless in pursuit
accantonare
C1To put aside for future use or discard.
accattivante
C1witty, charming, or attractive.
