In addition to prepositions of place, Italian also has many expressions of place that are commonly used in everyday conversations. In this post you’ll find A Beginner’s Guide to Using Italian Expressions of Places
Understanding expressions of place in Italian is essential for anyone who wishes to speak and write the language effectively. Whether you’re learning Italian for business, travel, or just for fun, knowing these expressions will help you communicate more successfully and confidently in everyday situations. Anyone can learn Italian grammar and place expressions with practice and dedication.
Expressions of Places are prepositions that are used to refer to a place where something or someone is located.
Some of the most common expressions of place in Italian include:
- Vicino a: “Vicino a” means “near to” or “close to.” For example, “La stazione è vicino al centro” means “The train station is close to the centre.”
- Lontano da: “Lontano da” means “far from.” For example, “Il mare è lontano dalla città” means “The sea is far from the city.”
- Dietro: “Dietro” means “behind.” For example, “Il giardino è dietro la casa” means “The garden is behind the house.”
- Davanti: “Davanti” means “in front of.” For example, “Il negozio è davanti alla piazza” means “The store is in front of the square.”
- Sotto: “Sotto” means “under.” For example, “La penna è sotto il libro” means “The pen is under the book.”
- Sopra: “Sopra” means “above.” For example, “Il quadro è sopra il divano” means “The painting is above the couch.”
Let’s take a closer look at these phrases and then some more.
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More Information About Italian Expressions of Place You Must See
SU/SOPRA
Il gatto è sulla / sopra la sedia
The cat is on the chair
Preposition “su” + the definite article = SUL/SULLA Preposizione Articolata (preposition combined with the definite article)
SOTTO
Il gatto è sotto la sedia
The cat is under the chair
TRA/FRA
Il gatto è tra le sedie
The cat is between the chairs
DIETRO
Il gatto è dietro le sedie
The cat is behind the chair
DAVANTI
Il gatto è davani alla scatola
The cat is in front of the box
Davanti + preposition A
DENTRO
Il gatto è dentro la scatola
The cat is in the box.
ACCANTO
Il gatto è accanto alla scatola
The cat is next to the box
Accanto + preposition A
VICINO
Il gatto è vicino alla scatola
The cat is near the box
Vicino + preposition A
INTORNO
Le sedie sono intorno al tavolo
The chairs are around the table
Intorno + preposition A
A DESTRA
L’albero è a destra della casa.
The tree is to the right of the house
A destra + preposition DI
A SINISTRA
L’albero è a sinistra della casa.
The tree is to the left of the house
A sinistra + preposition DI
DI FRONTE A
Il cane è di fronte alla bambina.
The dog is in front of the little girl.
Di fronte + preposition A
AL CENTRO
Il vaso è al centro del tavolo.
The vase is in the center of the table
Al centro + preposition DI
IN CIMA
L’albero è in cima alla montagna
The tree is on the top of the mountain
In cima + preposition A
IN ALTO / IN BASSO / AL CENTRO
I libri sono in alto.
The books are on the top
I libri sono al centro
The books are in the middle
I libri sono in basso
The books are at the bottom
QUI e LI’ (HERE AND THERE)
QUI (Here) and LI’ (there) are common adverbs of place. They give a location relative to the speaker.
With verbs of movement, QUI (here) means “towards or with the speaker” and there (LI’) means “away from, or not with the speaker”.
Learning Italian expressions for places is important for anyone travelling to Italy or learning the language. You’ll be able to communicate easily with locals, ask for directions, and make your way around the country with ease. Remember to use these phrases in discussion and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
What’s next?
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