accanto

Accanto is a word in the Italian language used as both an adverb and a preposition. It primarily means beside, next to, or alongside, and is used to indicate physical proximity as well as figurative closeness. In sentences, it commonly appears with the preposition a, forming phrases such as accanto a una persona or accanto al tavolo.

In addition to indicating proximity, accanto can express accompaniment or parallel positioning. For example, Camminavano accanto a lui means “They walked beside him.” Figuratively, accanto can describe things considered together or in relation to one another, as in discussing an option that exists alongside another choice or a project developed accanto a existing efforts.

The term is typically translated into English as beside, next to, or alongside, depending on context. It is pronounced with the stress on the syllable can-: ac-CAN-to, roughly /akˈkanto/. Accanto is everyday Italian usage and appears in literature, journalism, conversation, and instructional text. It can also be found as a title or name in artistic, cultural, or commercial contexts, where its sense of proximity or partnership conveys a particular connotation.

See also: vicino, adiacente, a lato.