Italian Phrase
È un vero amico?
Meaning
A question that asks whether someone is a genuine, trustworthy friend. It often carries an evaluative tone, implying that the speaker is considering the person's loyalty or reliability.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to assess the depth of a relationship, for example after someone has helped you, or when discussing a person’s character with a friend.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èunveroamico?
È (essere)
Third‑person singular present of 'essere', used for identification or description.
un (indefinite article)
Masculine singular indefinite article, placed before a noun.
vero (adjective)
Adjective meaning 'true' or 'genuine'; agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
amico (noun)
Masculine singular noun meaning 'friend'.
🗨In Conversation
Luca è sempre pronto ad aiutarmi quando ho bisogno.
Luca is always ready to help me when I need it.
È un vero amico?
Is he a true friend?
✕Common Mistakes
È un amico vero?
Adjective usually precedes the noun; 'un vero amico' is the natural order.
È una vero amico?
Gender mismatch: 'amico' is masculine, so the article must be 'un', not 'una'.
È un vero amico?
Use 'sei' instead of 'è' when you are asking the person directly (Sei un vero amico?).
↔Alternatives
È davvero un amico?
Is he really a friend?
È un amico sincero?
Is he a sincere friend?
Può contare come un vero amico?
Can he count as a true friend?
Cultural Tip
In Italian, adding 'vero' stresses authenticity and is often used as a compliment. The phrase is informal and fits casual conversation among peers. Remember that the verb changes to 'Sei' when you address the person directly (Sei un vero amico?). Regional variations are minimal; the construction works throughout Italy.