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PhrasesAsking DirectionsSiamo lontani dal centro?
A2

Siamo lontani dal centro?

Are we far from the centre?

Pronunciation

sia-MO — stress on second syllable. lontani — lon-TA-ni — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When exploring and wanting to gauge your distance from the main centre of town.

What it means

'Siamo lontani da' (are we far from) + place. 'Lontani' is the plural form of 'lontano' (far). 'Dal centro' = 'da' + 'il centro'. This question helps plan how to return to the main area if you have wandered away.

Variations

Quanto manca al centro?

How far is the centre?

'Quanto manca' asks for remaining distance/time

Come torno in centro da qui?

How do I get back to the centre from here?

Return journey question

Sono fuori dal centro storico?

Am I outside the historic centre?

Checking if you've left the main tourist area

Mini Dialogue

— Siamo lontani dal centro? — Sì, siete nel quartiere Prati. Il centro è a circa venti minuti a piedi. — C'è il bus? — Sì, il 23 vi porta direttamente a piazza Navona.

— Are we far from the centre? — Yes, you're in the Prati neighbourhood. The centre is about twenty minutes on foot. — Is there a bus? — Yes, the 23 takes you directly to Piazza Navona.

Cultural Note

Prati is a residential neighbourhood in Rome near the Vatican, popular with tourists but outside the ancient centre. Italian city neighbourhoods (quartieri or rioni in Rome) each have their own character. Knowing the neighbourhood you're in helps contextualize your position. Ask locals about their neighbourhood — Italians are very proud of their local area.