Here's how close they are:
* Vocabulary: Many words are recognizable between the two languages. For example, "amore" (Italian) and "amour" (French) both mean "love."
* Grammar: Both languages have similar verb conjugations and sentence structures. While there are differences in their specific rules, the underlying principles are largely the same.
* Pronunciation: While some sounds differ, the overall pronunciation systems are quite similar, making it easier for speakers of one language to understand the other, at least on a basic level.
However, there are also notable differences:
* Pronunciation: The pronunciation of certain vowel and consonant sounds can differ. For example, the French "r" is often guttural, while the Italian "r" is a trill.
* Vocabulary: While many words are shared, there are also substantial differences in vocabulary, particularly in everyday language and technical terms.
* Grammar: There are differences in verb conjugations, particularly in the past tense, and in the use of articles and prepositions.
Overall:
It's fair to say that Italian and French are mutually intelligible to a certain degree, especially if both speakers are willing to make an effort. While you might not be able to hold a fluent conversation, you can likely understand the gist of what's being said and communicate basic needs.
Here's an analogy: Think of them as cousins who speak similar dialects of the same language. They can understand each other to some extent, but there are nuances that make them distinct.