antico

ancient

adjective ahn-TEE-koh Less Common

Origin: from Latin 'antiquus', former

Also means

old

Usage Note

Antico describes something old in the sense of ancient or antique, not merely aged; its masculine plural is antichi, keeping the hard 'k' with an added 'h'. It contrasts with vecchio, which is plain 'old'. The phrase all'antica means 'old-fashioned'.

Examples

"Roma è una città antica."

Natural Translation

Rome is an ancient city.

Literal Translation

Rome is a city ancient.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian Adjective Agreement & Placement Made Simple

Italian adjectives agree in gender and number and usually sit after the noun. Master the -o/-a/-i/-e endings, the BAGS rule, and meaning-shifting pairs.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Essential Italian Travel Phrases (With Vorrei)

Vorrei means I would like — the politest, most useful Italian travel phrase. Learn five reusable frames to order, ask prices, and find your way in Italy.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local

Order coffee in Italy like a local: say un caffè (not espresso), pay at the cassa first, drink al banco, and skip the latte trap. Phrases inside.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Diminutives: -ino, -etto, -one Explained

Italian diminutives like -ino, -etto, and -one signal size, affection, or contempt. Learn to read the feeling, dodge gender flips, and spot false diminutives.

June 9, 2026 6 min read