A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "He's like a brother to me" in Italian
Express a deep, familial bond with someone who isn't blood-related using this common Italian phrase.
Mi è come un fratello.
mee EH KOH-meh oon frah-TEL-lohcasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you want to convey that a close friend or someone you've known for a long time feels like family. It's perfect for describing a mentor, a childhood friend, or even a partner's sibling you're very close to.
Alternatives
- È un fratello per me.Slightly more direct, emphasizing the 'brother' aspect.
- Lo considero un fratello.More formal, meaning 'I consider him a brother'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'come' with 'come'
The word 'come' here means 'like' or 'as', not 'how'.
Missing the pronoun 'Mi'
You need 'Mi' at the beginning to show the feeling is directed towards you.
Incorrect article with 'fratello'
Use the indefinite article 'un' before 'fratello' in this construction.
A small cultural note
The concept of 'family' in Italy often extends beyond blood ties to include very close friends, reflecting a strong emphasis on personal relationships and loyalty.
Frequently asked
How to say he is like a brother to me in Italian?
The most common way is 'Mi è come un fratello.' This phrase conveys a deep, familial connection beyond just friendship.
Is 'Mi è come un fratello' formal or informal?
It's generally informal, used among friends and people you know well. You wouldn't typically use it in a very formal business or official setting.
Can I use this for a woman too?
No, 'fratello' specifically means brother. For a woman, you would say 'Mi è come una sorella.'
