Inklingo

How to Say "intimate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cercano

sehr-KAH-noh/seɾˈkano/

adjectiveB2relationship
Use 'cercano' when describing a person or relationship that is emotionally close, warm, friendly, or deeply connected, often implying trust and affection.
Two smiling figures, one taller and one shorter, sharing a warm, affectionate hug.

Examples

Ella es una persona muy cercana y siempre escucha a sus empleados.

She is a very warm/approachable person and always listens to her employees.

Solo compartí mi secreto con mis amigos más cercanos.

I only shared my secret with my closest friends.

Describing Personality

When 'cercano' describes a person's character, it means they are approachable, friendly, and easy to talk to, like saying they are 'close to people'.

familiar

/fah-mee-lee-AHR//fa.miˈljar/

adjectiveB1close or personal
Use 'familiar' when something feels known, recognizable, or common, like seeing a face you think you've met before or recognizing a situation.
A colorful illustration of a person smiling warmly while gently petting a dog they clearly recognize.

Examples

Esa cara me resulta familiar, ¿la conozco de algún sitio?

That face looks familiar to me, do I know her from somewhere?

Ella siempre tiene un trato muy familiar con sus empleados.

She always has a very personal (or informal/friendly) relationship with her employees.

El tema del cambio climático es muy familiar para los jóvenes.

The topic of climate change is very well-known to young people.

Feeling Familiar

To say something feels familiar, Spanish often uses the verb resultar: 'Esto me resulta familiar' (This turns out/seems familiar to me).

Cercano vs. Familiar

Learners often confuse 'cercano' and 'familiar' because both relate to closeness. Remember, 'cercano' describes emotional closeness and deep relationships, while 'familiar' refers to something being recognizable or known.

Related Translations

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