Italian simple prepositions
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
Simple prepositions (preposizioni semplici) are all invariable in gender and number.
You can easily learn them from the following list:
As you can see, each preposition can have different meanings.
The preposition di is used in the following contexts.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Possession | Lei è la mamma di Giorgio | She's Giorgio's mum |
Origin | Mia mamma è di Roma | My mum is from Rome |
Topics | Un libro di filosofia | A book about philosophy (A philosophy book) |
Contents | Un sacchetto di caramelle | A bag of candies |
Characteristics (materials, ingredients) | Una torta di mele | An apple cake |
Cause or reason | Sto morendo di sonno | I'm dying of sleepiness |
Measures or quantity | Una strada di venti chilometri | A twenty-kilometres-long road |
Part of a group | Qualcuno di voi mente | Some of you are lying |
Time expressions | Gli uffici sono aperti solo di giorno | The offices are opened during the morning only |
Comparisons | Maria è più alta di Sara | Maria is taller than Sara |
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
The preposition a has the following meanings. When it is followed by the same vowel, you add a -d.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Direction (cities and places) | Sto andando ad Amburgo | I am going to Bologna |
Exact time or moment | L'appuntamento è alle cinque | The date is at five o'clock |
Distance (space and time) | L'albergo più vicino è a due chilometri | The nearest hotel is two kilometres away |
Indirect object | Avevo dato a tutti voi la mia fiducia | I had given you all my trust |
The preposition da has the following meanings.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Starting point in space / origin | Il volo da Roma a Madrid è in ritardo | The flight from Rome to Madrid got delayed |
Motion "through" something | Per andare in Francia bisogna passare dal tunnel | You have to pass through a tunnel to go to France |
Starting point in time | Studio spagnolo dall'anno scorso | I have been studying Spanish since last year |
Current location | Sono da Claudia adesso | I'm at Claudia's now |
Agent in passive sentences | L'edificio è stato costruito da quella compagnia | The building was built by that company |
Characteristics | La signora dai pantaloni rossi | The lady with red trousers |
Purposes | Scarpe da tennis | Tennis shoes |
The preposition in has the following meanings.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Location in a space or in time | La "Barcaccia" è una famosa fontana di Roma in Piazza Navona | The "Barcaccia" is a famous fountain in Rome, in Navona Square |
Direction (countries, regions and big islands) | Mi sono trasferito in Italia, ma poi sono andato in Spagna, in Andalusia. | I moved to Italy, but then I went to Spain, to Andalusia |
Motion within a space | Navighiamo in mare aperto | We are sailing in the open sea |
Transports | Andiamo in aereo o in nave? | Are we going by ship or by plane? |
Materials | Il falegname ha costruito un scala in legno | The carpenter built a wooden staircase |
Abilities and languages | Noi scriviamo testi in francese | We write texts in French |
The preposition con has the following meanings.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Literal and figurative company | Stiamo andando in spiaggia con Giulia | We are going to the beach with Giulia |
Transports | Mario è venuto con la macchina, ma è andato via con la bici | Mario came by car, but went away by bike |
Tools | Gli spaghetti si mangiano con la forchetta. | Spaghetti are eaten with a fork |
Characteristics | Il gatto con la coda lunga e gli occhi neri | The cat with a long tail and black eyes |
Ways | Guidare con attenzione | Drive careful |
Comparisons | Mi mettono sempre a confronto con mio fratello | They always compare me with my brother |
The preposition su is used in the following contexts.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Location | Il libro è su quel tavolo | The book is on that table |
Topic of a speech or writing | Una conferenza su guerra e società in Medio Oriente | A conference about war and society in the Middle East |
Approximation (age, price, measures) | Era un uomo alto sul metro e ottanta | It was a man about a metre and eighty tall |
Distributive (groups, grades) | Un ragazzo su quattro ha preso meno di cinque su dieci! | One in four guys got less than five out of ten! |
The preposition per has the following meanings.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Duration | Ho studiato per otto ore oggi | I have been studying for eight hours today |
Destination in space | Il treno per Parigi è in ritardo | The train to Paris is delayed |
Movement "through" something | Si può entrare solo per la porta principale | You can get inside only through the main door |
Reason | Non sono venuto per la febbre | I didn't come because of the fever |
Purposes | L'ho fatto per farti stare bene | I did it to make you feel good |
Imminence of an action | Sto per andare a New York | I am going to go to New York |
Price or measure | Ho comprato la giacca per 30 euro | I bought the jacket for 30 euros |
The prepositions tra and fra are perfectly synonyms. They are used in the following contexts.
Meaning | Italian | English |
---|---|---|
Position "between" two elements | Le mele sono tra/fra le banane e le arance | The apples are between the bananas and the oranges |
Position "among" more elements | Il leone è il più forte tra/fra i felini | The lion is the strongest among the felines |
Interval of time | Lo spettacolo comincia tra/fra due minuti | The show begins in two minutes |
Distance | Il supermercato è tra/fra duecento metri | The supermarket is two-hundred meters from here |
Relations | C'è un bel rapporto tra/fra noi due | There is a nice relationship between the two of us |
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Luisa is very patient and personable. I tend to want to understand the rules that underlie the conversation and she takes the time to explain them to me (as well as all the deviations from the rules of which there are a few in Italian). Working with her got me through living in Italy for 3+ months and I look forward to continuing our lessons well into the future.
Luisa A.Dear Juliet thank you, thank you so much !!!!! you improve because you're a good student !!!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dear student, my name is Domingo and I am an Italian teacher. 2 short words about me:
After classical studies, I graduated in Italian language and literature. Then I obtained the Cedils certificate as a teacher of Italian for foreigners.
What kind of teacher am I? How can I help you?
Well, I can help you who already know Italian, B1, B2, C1, C2, but you want to deepen the Italian culture, you love poetry, music or maybe you want to discover Italian cinema, or you simply want to improve your command in this tongue.
You who study in Italy, you have to deal with subjects such as history, literature, philosophy, sociology, and you want to deepen some words or concepts in Italian and you want coaching, a valid help.
To you professional, who know Italian but need cultural support to achieve your goals.
I believe that teaching is an exchange, where the teacher is the first to learn. I believe that a language is best learned with emotional involvement, in a relaxed and friendly environment, to allow for greater assimilation into long-term memory. By the word emotional, I mean the pleasure of doing something, of getting involved and having fun. So my dear students, I hope to meet you soon to discover Italian together !!!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Very good lessons, professional and interesting. Also, very tailored made approach to teaching. Highly recommended A+++++
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello my name is Lucia and I am a native Italian speaker.
I have a degree as an interpreter for English and French so I know how hard it may be to learn a foreign language. I work as a free-lance interpreter and private English and French teacher. I have a strong passion for languages which I have been studying for many years. I am studying Spanish now and always trying to improve my English and French knowledge. I am a friendly person and my lessons mainly focus on conversation. As a teacher I am very patient and I always propose tailor-made lessons with respect to your needs. I am really enthusiastic about being a teacher because this activity allows you to share your culture and habits with foreign people. Learning a language is also learning a new culture.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lucia, in a friendly and motivating manner, manages to get us, as beginners to Italian, to "speak". New vocabulary and grammar basics are regularly incorporated. Each lesson is different, fun and effective as Lucia is not only a very experienced teacher but also embodies the love for Italy and her language. We are happy to have “found” them, Rita and Connie
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone!
My name is Ermanno, I am 37 years old, and I am a Italian native speaker.
I got a Master Degree in 2010. Since then I have worked with languages, as a student support, tour guide and event coordinator between Spain and Ireland.
Also, I have been teaching Italian and Spanish giving private classes to students and refugees for over ten years.
I speak English (level c1) and Spanish (level c2) well enough to explain something to you in one of those languages just in case you need.
We can have amazing Italian or Spanish Classes if you are starting to get into a new language or if you just need some conversation classes to broaden or refine your vocabulary.
I will guide and support you through your learning adventure!
Are you ready for that?
-What I offer-
I have been teaching Italian and Spanish for more than 10 years so far, and I have always used no traditional teaching method.
What we need is to enjoy the class, to express ourself and our creativity.
That's the best way to learn and to keep learning.
Furthermore, I will guide you in all the learning process steps and you will learn the grammar in a funny way. ;)
In the conversation class we spend the full hour talking in Italian/spanish about topics of your interest (sports, arts, traveling, culture, food, relations..);and I will make you speak as much as you can.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT YOU SPEAK AS MUCH YOU CAN?
Because our brain need some time to make us fluent and being confident speaking in another language.
Do not be afraid to make mistakes.
It is the essential and funniest part of the learning process.
What are you waiting for?
Ci vediamo presto L'Italiano ti aspetta!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Perfect the class with Ermanno. Punctual, professional, educational and very friendly. He prepared the class in advance and adjusted to what I asked. Also send me a pdf with the class information so you can review it at home !! We were able to take full advantage of it. As soon as I have a little more time I will sign up for more classes with Ermanno without hesitation. Recommended 100%
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am so excited to be your new teacher. I have been teaching for 8 years as a Foundation Phase Teacher.
I would love to help you develop your English speaking abilities, by using TPR (Total Physical Response), props, we can even play some games and sing some songs together. If you would like, I could even read you a story.
I look forward to meeting you in our new classroom!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Louise is a very kind teacher with materials based on what you want to learn. I totally recommend her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Would you like to learn a new language and need somebody to guide you? I am the right person for you
Learning a foreign language is always a good investment: it broadens your cultural horizons, it increases dramatically your employability and it helps your business penetrate foreign markets.
I have experience in teaching English, Spanish and Italian to non-Italian speakers of all ages, both individuals and groups, in your office or at home. I am available for grammar and conversation classes, classes in preparation for special exams, certificates and corporate events, both in person and on Skype.
I think that learning a language necessarily means involving students in real situations, with a cheerful approach. Therefore, I like developing creative, effective and bespoke programmes, based on my students’ needs, age, likes, and why not, character. I am a dynamic and joyful yet precise and demanding teacher, who is always ready to motivate, encourage and listen to her students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ilaria is a very well-structured and experienced teacher for Spanish, English and Italian! I totally recommend her to anyone!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I asked Daniela to help me with pronunciation. She pays careful attention, and corrects my pronunciation as needed.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Rina is a pleasure to work with. Her lessons go by quickly, because they are a lot of fun. She is always on time, sends the material beforehand, is always available for questions and corrects homework right away. She is funny & energetic. She speaks German and Italian. I can only recommend taking lessons with her, because it is fun and you learn quickly and good.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello my name is Lucia and I am a native Italian speaker.
I have a degree as an interpreter for English and French so I know how hard it may be to learn a foreign language. I work as a free-lance interpreter and private English and French teacher. I have a strong passion for languages which I have been studying for many years. I am studying Spanish now and always trying to improve my English and French knowledge. I am a friendly person and my lessons mainly focus on conversation. As a teacher I am very patient and I always propose tailor-made lessons with respect to your needs. I am really enthusiastic about being a teacher because this activity allows you to share your culture and habits with foreign people. Learning a language is also learning a new culture.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lucia is wonderful! I have no experience with Italian and it has thus far been a lovely fun process. She is easy to schedule with. Sends documents with notes/teaching points from each of our lessons immediately and tailors lesson to exactly my level/experience. Would highly recommend!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, everybody ! My name is Elena. I’m a native Italian speaker, I’m 49 years old and live in Turin. I am a certified CEDILS teacher, I graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan and have been working as a teacher of Italian for more than 10 years. I speak English and German. I attended specialization courses for Italian L2 teachers and I am interviewer for C1 PLIDA exam.
Are you seeking a friendly and dynamic study environment ? I got what you need. I am looking forward to being in touch with new students and organize pleasant, interesting and fruitful courses.
Do you wish to learn or improve your Italian to speak with your parents or friends? Do you need Italian for work or study ? Do you simply love Italian language and culture ? Do you need to improve your writing skills ?
My classes are tailored on your needs and considering your level of knowledge, I create a proper course plan. Classes focus on language and on the possibility for you to improve your ability to speak and understand Italian in your daily life or in work.
I offer 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 tuition, general Italian courses (grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing), preparation to Italian examinations (all levels, also Italian for residence permit) and Italian and culture courses.
Grammar, vocabulary exercises, reading articles and magazines and talking together are all tools to feel at ease with the Italian language and then be able to practice it.
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults for all levels of Italian, from beginner to advanced. I have experience in preparing students to international certification (CILS, PLIDA). I was an A2/B1 Telc examiner.
Learning Italian can be closely related to culture, literature, music, sport and any other interest of my students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I had a trial class with Elena, and was very satisfied with the professionalism and all the teaching experience that she possesses. Will definitely continue to have classes with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elisabetta is a great teacher! She helpes me to study italian. She takes the time and she knows what is the best pace to evolve! I learn New things in a great tempo.., im on my way for my celi A1 examination whit teacher Elisabetta i'm gonna make it !! Thank you so much!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Responds to needs and also suggests alternatives. Perfect all around. I can only recommend it to everyone.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ciao! My name is Mauro, I am native Italian from Calabria! I am a very passionate teacher, I love to share my language and my knowledge about Italy, and its culture, films, music, literature, arts, food!!! I firmly believe that learning is based on trust between teacher and student, and the first objective of my classes is to individuate student's objectives and preferences. My teaching methodology is integrated: I think that it is important to work on all of linguistic abilities: oral and writing comprehension and production. I also think that lessons must be as much as fun as possible, and I use a lot of authentic material: songs, films, cooking recipes, newspapers, advertising and so on...
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
So far, I have studied with Mauro four times a week for a month. As a retired university professor, I find Mauro to be a thoughtful and deliberate teacher of Italian as a second language. He exercises care in preparing lessons and yet remains flexible to take opportunity of teachable moments. I highly recommend Mauro to anyone who is serious about learning Italian. Bravo Mauro! I look forward to continuing my studies with you.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Mara, I took a Master's in Foreign Languages and Translation (English and German) and then I started working as a Teacher to kids and adults. Since my students are aged between 1 and 69 years old, I developed 3 different methods:
1. Fluency - for intermediate/upper intermediate students, mainly based on listening and speaking; specific topics.
2. TPR - total physical response, all levels, mainly based on activities, role plays and board games.
3. Traditional - all levels, grammar, listening, speaking and writing/reading with a traditional approach
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mara is an experienced teach who is passionate about teaching English to people of all ages. I recommend her to anyone
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is a wonderful teacher. I really had difficulty properly expressing myself in Italian. Daniela not only tought me the basic rules of Italian grammar, but more importantly, during our many conversations in Italian, she helped me express myself much better and with confidence. I still have some path to go, particulalry deepening my knowledge of grammar. The next phase that I will start in a couple of months will focus on perfectionning that. I hope Daniela will find the time to work with me again
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
1 Italian preposition "di" (of, from,...) | Learn translations and uses of the English prepositions "of" and "from" in Italian |
2 Italian preposition "a" (at, to,...) | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "at" in Italian |
3 Italian preposition "da" (by, from,...) | Check translations and uses of the English prepositions "from" and "by" in Italian |
4 Italian preposition "in" (in, to,...) | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "in" in Italian |
5 Italian preposition "con" (with) | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "with" in Italian |
6 Italian preposition "su" (on, over,...) | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "on" in Italian |
7 Italian preposition "per" (for, to,...) | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "for" in Italian |
8 Italian prepositions "tra/ fra" (between, among,...) | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "between" in Italian |
9 "On" in Italian (su) | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "on" in Italian |
10 "To" in Italian | Check translations and uses of the English preposition "to" in Italian |
11 Italian prepositions of place and time | Look at the Italian prepositions to indicate a place or expression of time and their use |
12 Simple preposition chart - English to Italian | Check translation and uses of English prepositions in Italian |