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PhrasesAsking DirectionsÈ di fronte alla banca, accanto alla farmacia.
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È di fronte alla banca, accanto alla farmacia.

It's opposite the bank, next to the pharmacy.

Pronunciation

di FRON-te — stress on 'fron'. ac-CAN-to — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

Understanding positional descriptions when someone gives you directions using landmarks.

What it means

'Di fronte a' (opposite/in front of) + landmark is very common in Italian directions. 'Accanto a' (next to/beside) + landmark. These preposition phrases are essential for understanding Italian directions which are heavily landmark-based.

Variations

È dietro la chiesa.

It's behind the church.

'Dietro' = behind — used for concealed or far side locations

È tra il bar e il supermercato.

It's between the bar and the supermarket.

'Tra' = between — two reference points

È all'angolo con via Roma.

It's on the corner of via Roma.

'All'angolo con' = on the corner of — very useful

Mini Dialogue

— Dov'è l'ufficio postale? — È di fronte alla banca, accanto alla farmacia. — Quella banca lì? — Sì, proprio quella. L'ufficio postale ha l'insegna gialla.

— Where is the post office? — It's opposite the bank, next to the pharmacy. — That bank over there? — Yes, exactly that one. The post office has a yellow sign.

Cultural Note

Italian post offices (uffici postali) have distinctive yellow PTT signs. Pharmacies (farmacie) have the green cross sign. Banks (banche) are usually in prominent central positions in Italian towns. These landmarks are invaluable anchors when giving or receiving directions in Italian cities.