heypolyglot
Italian

familiare

/famiˈljare/adjective · masculine / nounB1 / A2
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Meaning · adjective

family; domestic

  • familiar, well-known
  • informal, friendly
  • family, domestic

In a sentence

L'ambiente qui è molto familiare e tranquillo.

The atmosphere here is very homely and calm.

Questo nome mi sembra familiare, ma non ricordo.

This name seems familiar, but I don't remember.

Hai un rapporto familiare con il tuo capo?

Do you have an informal relationship with your boss?

Word forms (4)
WordWord forms
familiaremasculine · singular
familiarefeminine · singular
familiarimasculine · plural
familiarifeminine · plural

Usage notes

  • For 'well-known to me,' Italian often prefers mi è familiare, not *sono familiare con in everyday speech.
  • Famigliare is a common variant spelling, but familiare is the standard form in careful writing.
  • As an adjective, it agrees in gender and number: ambiente familiare, atmosfere familiari.

Related words

Opposites

Meaning · noun

family member

  • relative

In a sentence

Ogni domenica pranzo con i miei familiari.

Every Sunday I have lunch with my relatives.

Hai invitato qualche familiare alla festa?

Did you invite any relative to the party?

Non ho nessun familiare in questa città.

I don't have any relatives in this city.

Word forms (2)
WordWord forms
familiaremasculine · singular
familiarimasculine · plural

Usage notes

  • Use familiare more in formal or bureaucratic contexts; in everyday speech, parente is often more common for a relative.
  • Don't confuse noun familiare with adjective familiare meaning familiar/household-related; context and articles usually make the meaning clear.
  • Often used collectively in plural: i familiari means family members/next of kin, especially in hospitals, police, or legal settings.

Related words

Opposites

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