How to Use "Assomigliare a": Meaning, Usage, and Practical Examples
Learning Italian also means navigating those expressions that, at first glance, may seem simple but hide small pitfalls. Today we are exploring the verb "assomigliare a," a common and very useful phrasal verb in natural speech. How many times have you wondered how to say that someone or something is similar to something else in Italian? This verb often causes confusion, especially because of the preposition that accompanies it. In this article, we'll guide you through the meaning, grammatical structure, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid, to help you communicate in Italian with more confidence.
Table of Contents
- What does “Assomigliare a” mean?
- The Grammatical Structure: How Is It Used?
- Sentences and Examples with “Assomigliare a”
- Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Similar or Related Expressions
- Conclusion
What does “Assomigliare a” mean?
- Literal Meaning: To have traits or characteristics similar to someone or something.
- Example: "Il disegno assomiglia a un cerchio imperfetto."
- Figurative Meaning: To be similar in nature, behavior, or situation to someone or something.
- Example: "La sua vita assomiglia a una favola moderna."
More: How to Use Associare a Meaning and Practical Examples
The Grammatical Structure: How Is It Used?
The verb "assomigliare" is an intransitive verb and always requires the preposition "a" to introduce the element of comparison. It is never used directly without a preposition. As explained by authoritative Italian language resources, such as the Dizionario di Italiano del Corriere della Sera, the construction is always "assomigliare a something/someone".
- [Subject] + assomigliare + a + [Noun/Pronoun/Noun phrase]
- Example: Marco assomiglia a suo padre. (Marco resembles his father.)
- Example: Questa canzone assomiglia molto a quella che ascoltavamo l'anno scorso. (This song strongly resembles the one we listened to last year.)
The verb "assomigliare" is conjugated regularly like a first conjugation verb (-are). Pay attention to the preposition "a" which, if followed by a definite article, combines with it to form a contracted preposition (e.g. alla, allo, al, ai, agli, alle).
More: How to Use Assistere a for Meaning, Structure, and Examples
Sentences and Examples with “Assomigliare a”
Here are some practical examples to help understand how to use "assomigliare a" in real contexts.
📍 Context: Family
Person A: "Sai che tuo figlio Luca assomiglia tantissimo a te quando eri piccolo?"
Person B: "Davvero? Tutti dicono che assomiglia di più a mia moglie!"
📍 Context: Travel and Descriptions
Person A: "Questa città vecchia assomiglia a un labirinto con tutte queste stradine strette."
Person B: "Sì, e le case assomigliano a quelle che ho visto in Portogallo."
📍 Context: Work/Office
Person A: "La nuova strategia di marketing assomiglia molto a quella che avevamo provato due anni fa."
Person B: "Speriamo che stavolta assomigli anche nei risultati positivi!"
More: Appellarsi a Meaning, Usage and Examples for Italian Learners
Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is to confuse "assomigliare a" with "sembrare". While both can express resemblance, they have different nuances and grammatical usages.
- Assomigliare a Vs. Sembrare
- Assomigliare a: Focuses on physical or intrinsic similarity, on having traits in common. Always requires the preposition "a".
- Example: "Quel quadro assomiglia a un Van Gogh." (That painting resembles a Van Gogh.)
- Sembrare: Focuses on the impression that something or someone gives, on outward appearance, often linked to a judgment or perception. It can be followed by an adjective, adverb, noun (often with "un/una"), or a clause (subjunctive or infinitive).
- Example: "Sembra un Van Gogh." (It looks like a Van Gogh.)
- Example: "Mi sembra che tu abbia ragione." (It seems to me that you are right.)
- Assomigliare a: Focuses on physical or intrinsic similarity, on having traits in common. Always requires the preposition "a".
"Assomigliare a" is more specific for a concrete or deep similarity, while "sembrare" is more generic and related to appearance or opinion. Do not say "Assomiglia che...", use "Sembra che..." instead.
Similar or Related Expressions
| Similar Expression | Short Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Somigliare a | Variant of "assomigliare a", less common but correct | "Quel cane somiglia a un lupo." |
| Essere simile a | To have qualities or aspects in common | "La sua voce è simile a quella di un angelo." |
| Avere l'aspetto di | Refers to physical or external appearance | "Questo attore ha l'aspetto di un gentiluomo." |
| Ricordare | To remind of someone/something, sometimes by similarity | "Mi ricordi qualcuno, ma non riesco a dire chi." |
Conclusion
You have learned that "assomigliare a" is a fundamental verb for describing similarities in Italian, both physical and abstract. Always use the preposition "a" and distinguish it from "sembrare." Mastering this verb will help you express yourself with greater accuracy and naturalness.
Now it's your turn! Try writing a sentence in the comments using "assomigliare a." What does your day resemble today?