Skip to content

simpatia

liking

noun seem-pah-TEE-ah Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Origin: Greek sympatheia (syn- + pathos, feeling)

Also means

sympathy

Usage Note

Simpatia is feminine. It is a partial false friend: it does NOT mean sympathy in the English sense of pity or condolence (condoglianze, compassione), but rather a warm liking or fondness for someone — mi è simpatico means 'I like him' (literally 'he is likeable to me'). Avere simpatia per qualcuno means to have a fondness for someone.

Examples

"Ho molta simpatia per lui."

Natural Translation

I have a great liking for him.

Literal Translation

I-have much liking for him

Explore Italian by topic