FastItalian Learning
PhrasesAsking DirectionsPer la metropolitana, da che parte si va?
A2

Per la metropolitana, da che parte si va?

For the metro, which way do you go?

Pronunciation

me-tro-po-li-TA-na — stress on fourth syllable. Five syllables. Often shortened to metro.

When to use it

Ask when you are above ground and need directions to the nearest metro entrance in a city like Rome or Milan.

What it means

Per la metropolitana (for the metro) — per expresses destination purpose. Da che parte (which way / on which side) — an alternative to dove (where) that emphasises direction. Si va (does one go) — impersonal reflexive of andare.

Variations

Dov'è l'ingresso della metro?

Where is the metro entrance?

Ingresso (entrance) — asking for the physical entrance

Quale linea devo prendere per andare al centro?

Which line should I take to go to the centre?

Linea (line) — Rome has A and B, Milan has multiple lines

C'è una fermata della metro qui vicino?

Is there a metro stop near here?

Fermata (stop) — asking whether the metro serves this area

Mini Dialogue

— Per la metropolitana, da che parte si va? — È lì, l'entrata è sotto quel palazzo giallo, vede la M rossa? — Ah sì! Quale linea prendo per il Vaticano? — La linea A — direzione Battistini.

— For the metro, which way do you go? — It's there, the entrance is under that yellow building, do you see the red M? — Ah yes! Which line do I take for the Vatican? — Line A — direction Battistini.

Cultural Note

Rome's metro network is limited (only lines A and B plus a short C line) due to the impossibility of digging without hitting ancient ruins — every tunnel becomes an archaeological excavation.