Italian Prepositions

Italian prepositions (preposizioni) can be a bit tricky for English speakers since the usage doesn't always align perfectly with English.

When do we use prepositions?

Prepositions in Italian, just like in English, are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence.
They often describe relationships in space, time, or logic.

The most commonly used prepositions in Italian

The Italian preposition “a” is used to …

… name the locations of persons and things.

💬 Examples:
Mangiamo al ristorante. – We eat at the restaurant.

… talk about cities.

💬 Examples:
Sono a Roma. – I'm in Rome.
Vivo a Milano. – I live in Milan.

… talk tell the time.

💬 Examples:
Vengo alle tre. – I will come at three (o’clock).

… together with specific dates, like public holidays.

💬 Examples:
Che cosa fai a Pasqua? – What do you do at Easter?

The Italian preposition “in” is used to …

… describe places.

💬 Examples:
Sono in biblioteca. – I'm in the library.

… talk about countries or regions.

💬 Examples:
Vivo in Italia. – I live in Italy.

… name months, years and seasons.

💬 Examples:
Andiamo al mare in agosto. – We are going to the sea in August.
nel 2030 – (in the year) 2030
in estate – in summer

... refer to all means of transport.

💬 Examples:
Vengo in macchina. – I'm coming by car.

The Italian preposition “di” is used to …

… name possessions.

💬 Examples:
la casa di Maria – Maria's house

… describe material.

💬 Examples:
un vestito di lana – a woolen dress

… name the origin of persons and things.

💬 Examples:
Siamo di Inghilterra. – We are from England.

… describe content and contents.

💬 Examples:
una bottiglia di latte – a bottle of milk

The Italian preposition “da” is used to …

… describe places together with people.

💬 Examples:
Vado dal medico. – I'm going to the doctor’s office.

… name the starting point of a movement.

💬 Examples:
Vengo dal cinema. – I'm coming from the cinema.

… talk about the purpose of persons and things.

💬 Examples:
lo spazzolino da denti – the toothbrush (brush for the teeth)

➠ Prepositions + Articles

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