Italian Phrase
Sì, sono proprio uno accanto all'altro.
Meaning
The speaker confirms that two or more items are positioned directly next to each other, emphasizing the closeness. It can refer to houses, people, objects, or any entities that can be placed side by side.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks whether two things are near each other, especially when you want to stress that they touch or are immediately adjacent. It works in both casual conversation and more formal descriptions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sìsonopropriounoaccantoall'altro
Sì
An affirmative particle meaning “yes”. It can start a sentence to confirm or agree.
sono
Third‑person plural of the verb *essere* (to be). Used here because the subject is plural (they).
proprio
An intensifier meaning “exactly” or “right”. It adds emphasis to the statement.
uno accanto all'altro
An idiomatic expression meaning “right next to each other” or “side by side”. The article *uno* agrees with the masculine singular noun that is understood (e.g., *oggetti*, *case*).
🗨In Conversation
Le due case sono vicine?
Are the two houses close to each other?
Sì, sono proprio uno accanto all'altro.
Yes, they are right next to each other.
✕Common Mistakes
Sì, sono proprio un accanto all'altro.
The article must be *uno* because the idiom requires the masculine singular form before a vowel sound.
Sì, è proprio uno accanto all'altro.
Use *sono* (plural) unless you are talking about a single object; *è* would be incorrect for two items.
Sì, sono propria uno accanto all'altro.
The adverb *proprio* is invariable; do not change it to *propria*.
↔Alternatives
Sì, sono proprio fianco a fianco.
Yes, they are right side by side.
Sì, sono proprio vicini.
Yes, they are right next to each other.
Sì, sono proprio l’uno accanto all’altro.
Yes, they are exactly one next to the other.
Cultural Tip
The expression *uno accanto all'altro* is very common in everyday Italian when describing physical proximity. It is neutral in register, so you can use it with friends, family, or in a professional setting. In some regions (e.g., the South) you might hear the shorter *fianco a fianco* more often, while in the North *l’uno accanto all’altro* sounds slightly more formal.