Italian prepositions of place - Le preposizioni di luogo in italiano

Prepositions are constant words that link different parts of a sentence. In Italian, prepositions of place are particularly important for beginners because they allow you to describe where something or someone is. In this post we will look at the most important prepositions of place used in Italian, with practical examples to help you understand and use them correctly.

Prepositions of place: list and usage

1. SU (with contact) 
Indicates that something is on top of something else, with contact.
  • Non sederti sulla scrivania!
  • Il libro è sul tavolo.

2. SU / SOPRA (without contact)
Indicates a position above, but without contact.
  • Il lampadario è sopra il tavolo.
  • L’aereo vola sopra le nuvole.

3. ACCANTO A / VICINO A / DI FIANCO A
Indicates a position next to something.
  • Accanto alla porta della sala troverai il bagno.
  • Vivo vicino a una stazione.
  • C’è una sedia di fianco al divano.
4. IN (dentro, nel mezzo)
Used to indicate a position inside or in the middle of something.
  • Sono in piazza, vicino alla fontana.
  • Vado in camera, sono stanca.
  • Vado nella mia camera a studiare.

5. ATTRAVERSO
Indicates movement from one part of a place to another.
  • Devi passare attraverso i giardinetti per arrivare al cinema.

6. INTORNO
Indicates movement or a circular position around something.
  • Smettila di girare intorno al tavolo!

7. AL CENTRO / ALL’ANGOLO
 Indicates a central position.
  • I giochi sono al centro della stanza.
  • All’angolo della strada abita Giulia.
8. LUNGO
Indicates a position that follows a line or path.
  • Lungo la strada ci sono molti bar.

9. PRIMA / DOPO
Indicates a position in relation to a landmark.
  • La mia casa si trova prima della pizzeria ma dopo il bar.

10. IN ALTO / IN BASSO / AL CENTRO
These indicate vertical or central positions.
  • In alto, al secondo piano, abita Marco, al centro vivo io, in basso abita Luca.
11. DIETRO / DAVANTI
Dietro indicates a backward position in relation to something or someone.
Davanti indicates a forward or frontal position in relation to something or someone.
  • Non guardare sempre dietro!
  • Ho parcheggiato la macchina davanti alla tua.
12. IN CIMA
Indicates the highest point of something, both physically and figuratively

  • In cima ai miei pensieri ci sei solo tu!
  • At the top of my mind is only you!
13. A SINISTRA DI / A DESTRA DI
These are directions.
  • Vai a sinistra e poi a destra.
In Italian, prepositions of place are particularly important for beginners because they allow you to describe where something or someone is. In this post we will look at the most important prepositions of place used in Italian, with practical examples to help you understand and use them correctly.

Articulated prepositions

As you will have noticed from the previous examples, some simple prepositions require the presence of a definite article in order to be used correctly. In these cases, the preposition and the article come together to form what are called articulated prepositions, which we have already discussed in previous lessons.

Articulated prepositions are very common in Italian and allow us to connect the parts of a sentence in a fluid way. Here are some examples:

  • su + il = sul → Il libro è sul tavolo.
  • in + la = del → Vado nella mia camera a studiare.
  • a + la = alla → Vado alla stazione.
  • in + i = nei → I ragazzi sono nei corridoi.

    • These combinations not only simplify the language but also make sentences more natural and fluent. It is therefore important to learn to recognise and use them correctly.


    Tips for studying place prepositions

    1. Observe your surroundings: describe where objects are located using prepositions of place.
    for example: La sedia è vicino alla finestra.

    2. Practice with examples: Repeat and create similar sentences to remember.

    3. Ask and answer: Dov'è il libro? - Il libro è sul tavolo.


    To conclude

    By mastering these prepositions, you'll be able to navigate everyday interactions and describe your surroundings with confidence.

    As we've seen, some prepositions require definite articles to form articulated prepositions, making sentences more fluid and natural. Learning these combinations is an important step in improving your understanding and use of Italian.

    With regular practice and attention to detail, you'll soon feel comfortable using prepositions of place to communicate effectively in Italian 😊.


    If you have any questions or would like to share your learning experience, please leave a comment below. I'm curious to know how you are progressing on your language journey!

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