Prepositions are the backbone of any language, linking words and phrases to provide context and meaning. In Italian, simple prepositions (preposizioni semplici) are crucial for expressing relationships of time, place, origin, and more. These small words might seem insignificant, but they play a huge role in everyday communication. Let’s explore Italian simple prepositions and learn how to use them with confidence.
Simple prepositions in Italian
Simple prepositions in Italian are single words that connect elements of a sentence. Unlike articulated prepositions, which combine a preposition with a definite article, simple prepositions stand alone. They often don’t translate directly into English, which can make them challenging for learners. However, with practice, their usage becomes more intuitive. Below, we’ll break down the most commonly used simple prepositions and their meanings, complete with examples.
DI
Di expresses possession, origin, material, denomination or a topic. It is often translated as “of” or “from” in English.
- Possession: Il libro di Anna (Anna’s book).
- Origin: Sono di Milano (I’m from Milan).
- Material: Una statua di marmo (A statue made of marble).
- Denomination: Oggi vado al mercato di Via Fauché (I’m going to the Fauché Street market today)
- Topic: È un libro di chimica organica (It is an organic chemistry book)
A
A is used to indicate direction, location, time or indirect object. It often corresponds to “to,” “at,” or “in” in English.
- Direction: Vado a scuola (I’m going to school).
- Location: Abito a Roma (I live in Rome).
- Time: A mezzanotte (At midnight).
- Indirect object: Ho regalato a Marco uno zaino (I gave Marco a backpack)
DA
Da indicates origin, the agent of an action, purpose or time. It generally translates to “from” or “by” in English.
- Origin: Vengo da Firenze (I’m coming from Florence).
- Agent: Questo affresco è stato dipinto da Leonardo da Vinci (This fresco was painted by Leonardo da Vinci).
- Purpose: Un bicchiere da vino (A wine glass).
- Time: Studio inglese da due anni (I have been studying English for two years)
IN
In describes location, direction, means of transportation or periods of time. It translates as “in” or “into” in English.
- Location: Vivo in Italia (I live in Italy).
- Direction: Vanno in Francia (They go to France)
- Transportation: Viaggio in treno (I travel by train).
- Time: In primavera i fiori sbocciano (In spring, flowers bloom).
CON
Con means “with” and is used to express accompaniment, the means or the manner by which something is done.
- Accompaniment: Esco con mia sorella (I’m going out with my sister).
- Means: Taglio la carta con le forbici (I cut the paper with scissors).
- Manner: Adesso ascoltatemi con attenzione! (Now listen to me carefully!)
SU
Su indicates position or topic and translates to “on” or “about.”
- Position: Ho lasciato il mio libro libro su uno scaffale (I left my book book on a shelf).
- Topic: Leggo un articolo su Dante Alighieri (I read an article about Dante Alighieri).
PER
Per conveys purpose, cause orduration. It translates as “for” or “through” in English.
- Purpose: Questo regalo è per te (This gift is for you).
- Cause: Ho fatto tutto per amore (I did everything for love).
- Duration: Ho aspettato per un’ora (I waited for an hour).
TRA and FRA
Tra and fra are interchangeable, meaning “between,” “among,” or “in” (when referring to time).
- Between: La casa è tra il parco e la scuola (The house is between the park and the school).
- Among: Fra amici non ci sono segreti (Among friends, there are no secrets).
- Time: Arrivo fra cinque minuti! (I’ll arrive in five minutes!).
Italian simple prepositions exercises: practice makes perfect!
Mastering Italian prepositions can be tricky, but practice is the key to success! Exercises help reinforce how to use simple prepositions (di, a, da, in, su, con, per, tra, fra) .
Complete the sentences with the correct preposition – Exercise 1
da, in, di, fra, a, da, con, su, per
- Le chiavi sono __ quel tavolo.
- Vado __ scuola ogni mattina.
- La borsa __ Maria è blu.
- Parto __ Milano domani mattina.
- Vivo __ Italia da cinque anni.
- Questo regalo è __ te!
- Ci vediamo __ mezz’ora.
- Sono andato al cinema __ i miei amici.
- __ Italia si parlano molti dialetti.
- Muoviti! Ti aspetto __ un’ora!
Choose the correct preposition – Exercise 2
Select the right preposition for each sentence:
- Abito __ Napoli. (a/in)
- Parto __ Torino alle otto. (da/di)
- Questo piatto è fatto __ legno. (di/da)
- Andiamo macchina o __ treno? (con/in)
Create sentences – Exercise 3
Use the following prepositions to write your own sentences in Italian:
- su
- per
- tra
- di
We’d love your feedback!
After trying out these exercises, how did it go? Were they helpful for improving your understanding of Italian simple prepositions?
If you have any questions, need clarifications, or want more personalized practice, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact me, and I’ll be happy to help you on your Italian learning journey.
Let’s master Italian together!
Italian prepositions: Q&A
Prepositions are small yet powerful tools in Italian, helping to connect words and clarify relationships in a sentence. In this quick Q&A, I’ll cover some common questions about Italian prepositions and provide clear, concise answers to help you master them.
What are the most used prepositions in Italian?
The most commonly used Italian prepositions include di (of), a (to/at), da (from/by), in (in), con (with), su (on/about), per (for), tra (between/among), and fra (between/among). These words appear frequently in everyday conversation and writing, making them essential to learn.
How do you know when to use prepositions in Italian?
Prepositions in Italian depend on context and sometimes don’t directly translate to English. Pay attention to patterns and phrases, as prepositions often follow specific verbs, nouns, or adjectives. Practice is key to understanding their usage.
How do you memorize prepositions in Italian?
Memorize prepositions by practicing common expressions and sentences. Associating prepositions with specific verbs or scenarios (andare a scuola – “to go to school”) makes them easier to remember.
What is the best way to learn Italian prepositions?
The best way to learn is through immersion: reading, listening and speaking Italian regularly. Practice with native speakers, use grammar exercises and pay attention to prepositions in context. Over time, their use will become second nature.
