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Italian prepositions > Fixed phrases and usage rules > Flashcards

Fixed phrases and usage rules Flashcards

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Italian Verbs flashcards
1
Q

To tell the truth

A

a dire la verità or a dire il vero

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2
Q

Soon (as in “see you soon”)

A

a presto

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3
Q

Later (as in “see you later”)

A

a dopo

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4
Q

again

A

di nuovo

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5
Q

amazing place

A

posto da favola

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6
Q

dream vacation

A

vacanza da sogno

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7
Q

starving

A

fame da lupi

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8
Q

tennis court

A

campo da tennis

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9
Q

bathing suit

A

costume da bagno

Note: “da” is often used for words with a specific purpose.

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10
Q

wine glass

A

bicchiere da vino

Note: “da” is often used for words with a specific purpose.

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11
Q

chewing gum

A

gomma da maticare

Note: “da” is often used for words with a specific purpose.

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12
Q

reading glasses

A

occhiali da lettura

Note: “da” is often used for words with a specific purpose.

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13
Q

sunglasses

A

occhiali da sole

Note: “da” is often used for words with a specific purpose.

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14
Q

alone, by myself, by ourselves

A

da solo/a/i/e

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15
Q

for a long time (usually having wanted to do or be something for a long time)

A

da sempre

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16
Q

as a child

A

da bambino/a

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17
Q

since I was a little boy/girl

A

da ragazzo/a

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18
Q

for [ ] years

A

da [ ] anni

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19
Q

“To retire” and “to be retired”

A

“Andare in pensione” and “Essere in pensione”

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20
Q

A period of time coming up. Translate: “I will be leaving to Italy in a year in order to study Italian.”

A

Preposition is “fra” (or “tra”) “Partirò per Italia FRA un anno per studiare l’italiano.”

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21
Q

A period of time coming up when whatever you are doing will be done within that time. Translate: “I will be at your place in half an hour.°

A

Preposition is “in”. “Sarò da te IN mezz’ora.”

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22
Q

To go visit (someone) - I have an uncle that lives in Riomaggiore, so I would like to go visit him.

A

Andare a trovare - Ho un zio che vive a Riomaggiore, quindi, vorrei andarlo a trovare.

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23
Q

To come visit (someone) - Come and visit me in Malyasia, if you dare!

A

Vienimi a trovare - Vienimi A trovare in Malesia, se hai coraggio!

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24
Q

On the rocks - Would you like a whiskey on the rocks?

A

Vuoi un whiskey CON ghiaccio

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25
Q

Diamond ring - Natalia doesn’t want a diamond ring. She has simpler tastes.

A

Natalia non vuole un anello CON diamanti. Lei ha gusti più semplici.

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26
Q

Article usage: I would like to drink and espresso with cream.

A

Vorrei bere un espresso con LA panna. (The article is used when ingredients or foods are used in a full sentence but omitted on a recipe or as a menu item)

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27
Q

Streets - I am going to via Garibaldi

A

in - Vado IN via Garibaldi

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28
Q

Describing a style of cooking - “grilled” or “on the grill”

A

a - ALLA griglia

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29
Q

“Origins” (used loosely) of something - This restaurant makes the best ribollita in the city.

A

di - Questo ristorante fa la migliore ribollita DELLA città.

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30
Q

The way something is done - To write with pen (by hand).

A

a - Scrivere A penna

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31
Q

Public transportation - I got on/in a train

A

su - Sono saltato SU un treno

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32
Q

Kindness to someone - You’re so nice to me

A

con - Sei così gentile CON me

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33
Q

When referring to generic points in a day. - Usually, I work at (in the) morning.

A

di - Di solito, lavoro DI mattina.

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34
Q

When referring to a precise time, month, or holiday. - Usually I work at 7 am.

A

a - Di solito lavoro ALLE sette.

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35
Q

To describe the way something was done - Example 1: To go by foot

A

a - Andare a piedi.

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36
Q

To describe the way something was done - Example 2: I learned the song by heart.

A

a - Ho imparato la canzone a memoria.

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37
Q

Going to or returning from a specific place that is associated with a person (doctor, lawyer, various types of food stores and retailers). - I am going to the milk and cheese shop for buffalo mozzarella.

A

da - Vado DAL lattaio per la mozzarella di bufala.

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38
Q

Transportation when talking about going “by” some form of transportation. - I went by train on a trip around Europe.

A

in - Sono andato IN treno in giro per l’Europa

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39
Q

Fixed phrase: In the end

A

a - ALLA fine

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40
Q

Fixed phrase: Thanks for everything

A

di - Grazie DI tutto

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41
Q

Fixed usage: To take a ride - Let’s take a ride to Chianti

A

per - Facciamo un giro PER il Chianti.

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42
Q

When you are going through a town or area and not stopping. - We passed through Rome on our way to Milan.

A

per - Siamo passati PER Roma sulla nostra strada per Milano.

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43
Q

When you are stopping at a place in the course of other travel. - “Listen Barbara, in a few days I’ll be passing through Los Angeles. Do you want to get a coffee?”

A

da - Senti Barbara, fra un paio di giorni passerò DA Los Angeles. Ti va di bere un caffè?

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44
Q

Comparing 2 different people or objects. - Lucia is taller than you

A

di - Lucia è più alta DI te.

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45
Q

Comparing 2 traits of the same person or object - Mario is smarter than he is handsome.

A

che (not a prep, but rule reviewed in course) Mario è più intelligente CHE bello.

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46
Q

A comparison and preposition follows the [correct] word. - It’s cheaper to buy meat from the butcher than AT the supermarket. (prep in caps)

A

che - È più economico comprare la carne dal macellaio CHE al supermercato.

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47
Q

A comparison and preposition follows the [correct] word. - In my opinion, it’s more fun to go to the beach than TO the mountains. (prep in caps)

A

che - Secondo me, è più divertente andare in spiaggia CHE in montagna.

48
Q

A comparison using 2 full verbs or the same verb. - It’s more interesting to visit Orvieto than Milan

A

che - È più interessante visitare Orvieto CHE Milano.

49
Q

A comparison using 2 full verbs or the same verb. - Walking is more tiring than going by bike

A

che - Camminare è più faticoso CHE andare in bici.

50
Q

When talking about the way an action is done. (e.g. on credit) - They bough the house and the car on credit.

A

a - Hanno comprato la casa e l’auto A credito.

51
Q

When talking about the way an action is done. (e.g. in a low voice) - They are speaking in a low voice.

A

a - Parlano A bassa voce

52
Q

When talking about the way an action is done. (e.g. in a loud voice) - They are speaking in a loud voice.

A

a - Parlano AD alta voce.

53
Q

When talking about the way an action is done. (e.g. handmade) - Last weekend, I made some pasta by hand.

A

a - Lo scorso fine settimana, ho preparato della pasta fatta A mano. (Could also say, “Il weekend scorso…”

54
Q

When talking about the way an action is done. (e.g. an open mind) - We discussed politics with an open mind.

A

a - Abbiamo discusso di politica a mente aperta.

55
Q

Comparing 2 different people or objects. - His car is more comfortable than mine.

A

di - La sua macchina è più comoda della mia.

56
Q

Fixed phrase: “Homemade” - Homemade bread

A

in - pane fatto IN casa (contrast with “made by hand” whic is “fatto A mano”)

57
Q

Fixed phrase: “Incredibly beautiful” - That dress is incredibly beautiful. (literally “beautiful to death)

A

bello da morire - Questo vestito è bello DA morire.

58
Q

Fixed phrase: “To die (from) laughing” - When I watch Benigni’s films, I die from laughing.

A

morire dal ridere - Quando guardo i film di Begnigni, muoio DAL ridere.

59
Q

Fixed phrase: “Good to eat” - Right now a fig gelato would be good to eat.

A

buono da mangiare - Adesso, un gelato ai fichi sarebbe buono DA mangiare.

60
Q

Fixed phrase: “Like crazy” or just “crazy” in describing a positive quality.

I missed you like crazy.

You’re crazy beautiful and incredibly smart.

A

da matti

Mi sei mancato da matti. (reflexive-ish, really, “you were missed to me”)

Sei bella da matti e incredibilmente intelligente.

61
Q

Fixed phrase: “Responsibly”

It’s time to start making adult-like/responsible decisions

Try to behave like an adult/responsibly

A

da adulto

È tempo iniziare a fare decisioni da adulto.

Cerca di comportarti da adulto.

62
Q

To leave “for” a place - In for month’s I’ll be leaving for Africa.

A

Partire per - Tra quattro mese, partirò per L’Africa. (could also have used present tense).

63
Q

Fixed phrase: “To take a walk” (similar to fixed phrase of “to take a ride”) - Every day I take a walk around the city

A

per - Ogni giornata faccio una passeggiata per la città.

64
Q

When you talk about doing something at a specific age.

At 17, I went to Italy for 6 months.

A

a - A diciassette anni sono andato in Italia per sei mesi.

65
Q

When you talk about having a relative/friend/etc that is a specific age.

I have a daughter who is 28 (lit. of 28 years)

A

di - Ho una figlia di ventotto anni.

66
Q

Fixed phrase and everyday expression: can be translated a few ways, “could you go for…” and “do you want to…” probably the best.

Example 1
Could you go for going to the movies?

2 common responses to such a question that translate something like the following:

  1. Of course!
  2. Yeah, that sounds right to me.

Example 2

Do you want to go on a trip to Canada (with me)?

A

Ti va di…

Example 1
Ti va di andare al cinema?

2 responses:

  1. Volentieri.
  2. Sì, ma va.

Example 2

Ti va di fare un viaggio in Canada?

67
Q

When talking about something that has a certain quality.

I would like something (of) sweet to eat.

A

di - Vorrei qualcosa DI dolce da mangiare.

68
Q

Fixed phrase/expression: “old friends”

We’re old friends. (masculine)

A

Amici/amiche di vecchia data

Siamo amici di vecchia data.

69
Q

Talking about clothing sizes. - I wear a dress of size 36.

In causal conversation, you probably just say, “I wear a 36.” That would be…

If someone asked what size shoes you wore, you would respond “I wear a 39 in shoes” (literally “I wear the 39 of shoes”) which is……

A

di - Porto un vestito DI taglia 36.

Porto la 36. (it is “la” because it is referring to the size - taglia)

Porto il 39 di scarpe. (it is “il” because you referring to “il numero 39. Like English, shoes don’t really have a “size”)

70
Q

When people want you to explain something in further detail, someone might ask you “in what sense” or “in what way°. You answer “in the sense that…”

2 situation dialogues are below:

Situation 1

Person 1: I like living in Bologna, but I prefer Orvieto.
Person 2. In what way?
Person 1. In that I prefer smaller cities. Bologna is too big.

Situation 2

Person 1: I want to enroll in that Italian course, but I heard that the teacher is really strict.
Person 2. In what way?
Person 1. Like, she expects that you pass all of the exams with a score higher than 90%.

A

in che senso
nel senso che

Situation 1

Person 1: Mi piace vivere a Bologna, però preferisco Orvieto.
Person 2. In che senso?
Person 1. Nel senso che preferisco le città più piccole. Bologna è troppo grande.

Situation 2

Person 1: Voglio iscrivermi in quel corso d’italiano, però ho sento che l’insegnante è rigida.
Person 2. In che senso?
Person 1. Nel senso che, si aspetta che superi tutti gli esami con voto superiore al 90 per cento.

71
Q

When you are talking about GOING TO or BEING AT the beach.

The weather is great. Let’s go to the beach!

A

in - Il tempo fa bellissimo. Andiamo IN spiaggia!

72
Q

At the same time. Usage implies a short, fixed time.

We called each other at the same time.

A

allo - Ci stavamo telefonando allo stesso tempo.

73
Q

Same period of time. Usage implies a longer period of time.

I didn’t know we would study in Italy in the same period of time.

A

nello - Non sapevo che studieremmo in Italia nello stesso periodo.

74
Q

When you are talking about the material something is made out of.

Conventional use, emphasis is on the object itself: A sculpture of marble.

A

di - Una scultura DI marmo.

75
Q

When you are talking about the material something is made out of.

When emphasis is on the material because of the material’s importance or rarity: A sculpture in marble.

A

in - Una scultura IN marmo

76
Q

Fixed phrase: To pick someone up

“I’ll pick you up at 8, alright?

A

passare A prendere

Ti passo a prendere alle 8, va bene?

77
Q

When you are talking about something that is literally on the surface of something.

There are so many restaurants on the beach.

A

su - Ci sono tante ristoranti SULLA spiaggia.

78
Q

Fixed phrase: “what’s the use?” (literally, “to what use?”

A

a che serve?

79
Q

Fixed phrase: I’m dying of hunger!

A

di - Muoio di fame! (“di” often used to describe the causes or reasons behind something)

80
Q

Fixed phrase: due to, because

Because of a technical fault, the train to Padua has been cancelled.

But because of the train strike (literally “strike of the trains”) , we arrived late.

A

a causa di

A causa di un disguido tecnico, il treno per Padua è stato sospeso.

Ma a causa dello sciopero dei treni, siamo arrivati in ritardo.

81
Q

Let’s go to dinner

A

a - Andiamo A cena

82
Q

Near

A

vicino a

83
Q

Everything is good

A

tutto a posto

84
Q

To play soccer

A

Giocare a calcio

85
Q

To write by hand

A

Scrivere a mano

86
Q

Made from, containing

A

A base di

87
Q

Each other

A

a vicenda

88
Q

To go grocery shopping

A

Andare a fare la spesa

89
Q

To which

A

a cui

90
Q

On TV

A

alla - alla TV

91
Q

To address someone with the “tu” form

A

del - Dare del tu

92
Q

before

A

Prima di

93
Q

Recently

A

di - di recente

94
Q

To be in a hurry

A

di - Essere di fretta

95
Q

To hope not/so

A

di - Sperare di no/so

96
Q

To not think so

A

di - Pensare di no

97
Q

To think so

A

Pensare di sì

98
Q

At night

A

di sera

99
Q

To want more

A

Volere di più

100
Q

Of which

A

di cui

101
Q

Seriously?

A

sul serio?

102
Q

On which

A

su cui

103
Q

Out of curiosity

A

per curiosità

104
Q

for which

A

per cui

105
Q

for rent

A

in affitto

106
Q

in the meantime

A

nel frattempo

107
Q

Early

A

in anticipo

108
Q

late

A

in ritardo

109
Q

to trust someone

A

avere fiducia in qualcuno

110
Q

In (someone’s) head

A

in testa

111
Q

by car

A

in macchina

112
Q

standing

A

in piedi

113
Q

To arrive/be on time

A

arrivare in tempo

114
Q

on the plate

A

in piatto

115
Q

in which

A

in cui

116
Q

maiden name

A

il nome da nubile

117
Q

From my point of view

A

dal mio punto di vista

Italian prepositions (5 decks)

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