compagno
/komˈpaɲɲo/A person who shares an activity or experience with another; a companion.
I compagni di classe si aiutano nello studio.
Classmates help each other with their studies.
È stato un compagno di lavoro affidabile.
He was a reliable work companion.
Can refer to a romantic partner in informal contexts, but not exclusively.
In a school setting, a classmate.
I compagni di scuola organizzano una festa di reunion.
Schoolmates are organizing a reunion party.
Commonly used in primary and secondary education contexts.
In law, a partner in a legal partnership or a co-owner.
I compagni di una società in nome collettivo sono responsabili illimitatamente.
Partners in a general partnership have unlimited liability.
Used in legal and business contexts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Gender Agreement
Use *compagno* for males and *compagna* for females. In mixed groups, *compagni* can be used generically.
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
In educational or professional settings, *compagno* typically means 'classmate' or 'colleague'. In social contexts, it often implies a closer relationship.
📖Word Origin
From Latin *compāniō* (com- 'with' + pānis 'bread'), originally meaning 'one who shares bread with another'. The word evolved through Old Italian *compagno* with the same meaning.
📝Usage Notes
The term is gender-neutral in modern Italian, though historically it referred to males. The feminine form is *compagna*. In romantic contexts, it can imply a partner but is not exclusively romantic.