Italian Phrase
È un amico solo quando le cose vanno bene.
Meaning
Literally, “He/She is a friend only when things go well.” The phrase is used to criticize someone whose loyalty disappears during difficult moments, implying that the friendship is conditional on favorable circumstances.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to point out that a person only supports you in good times, or when you’re reflecting on a relationship that feels one‑sided and opportunistic.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èunamicosoloquandolecosevannobene.
Essere (È)
È is the third‑person singular present of essere (to be). It contracts with the preceding vowel, so è = è + è.
Indefinite article (un)
Un is the masculine singular indefinite article used before a consonant.
Solo (adverb vs adjective)
In this sentence solo functions as an adverb meaning “only”, not as the adjective “alone”.
Quando (conjunction)
Quando introduces a temporal clause meaning “when”. It can also be used conditionally, similar to “if”.
Andare (vanno)
Vanno is the third‑person plural present of andare (to go). In idiomatic expressions it means “to turn out” or “to happen”.
Bene (adverb)
Bene modifies the verb phrase, meaning “well” or “in a good way”.
🗨In Conversation
Hai notato che Marco è sempre presente alle feste, ma sparisce quando ho bisogno di aiuto?
Did you notice that Marco is always present at parties, but disappears when I need help?
Sì, è un amico solo quando le cose vanno bene.
Yes, he’s only a friend when things go well.
✕Common Mistakes
È un amico solo quando le cose vanno bene.
Do not translate solo as “alone” here; it means “only”.
È un amico solo se le cose vanno bene.
Learners sometimes replace quando with se (if), which changes the nuance.
È un amico solo quando le cose vanno bene.
Avoid using the literal “go well” translation; the idiomatic meaning is “turn out well”.
↔Alternatives
È un amico solo nei momenti felici.
He/She is only a friend in happy moments.
Ti sta vicino solo quando tutto va bene.
He/She stays close to you only when everything goes well.
È un amico di circostanza.
He/She is a fair‑weather friend.
Cultural Tip
In Italian culture, loyalty (lealtà) is highly valued, especially within family and long‑term friendships. Calling someone a “fair‑weather friend” (amico di circostanza) can be blunt, so use the phrase with caution in formal settings. In informal conversation among peers, it’s a common way to call out opportunistic behavior.