Vicino vs. limitrofo
The Italian words 'vicino' and 'limitrofo' both convey proximity, but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Vicino
'Vicino' means nearby or close, and is used more generally to describe physical or emotional proximity.
Il supermercato è vicino a casa mia.
(The supermarket is close to my house.)
Mi sento molto vicino a mia sorella.
(I feel very close to my sister.)
La spiaggia è vicina all'hotel.
(The beach is near the hotel.)
Limitrofo
'Limitrofo' means adjacent or bordering, and is typically used to describe geographical or administrative boundaries.
La Francia è un paese limitrofo all'Italia.
(France is a country bordering Italy.)
I comuni limitrofi hanno organizzato un evento insieme.
(The neighboring municipalities have organized an event together.)
Il parco è limitrofo alla zona industriale.
(The park is adjacent to the industrial zone.)
Summary
While 'vicino' is a more versatile term for general proximity, 'limitrofo' specifically refers to adjacent or bordering areas, often in geographical or administrative contexts. 'Vicino' can describe both physical and emotional closeness, whereas 'limitrofo' is primarily used for physical adjacency of regions or territories.