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PhrasesAsking DirectionsSono a piedi — mi dà indicazioni per il percorso pedonale?
B1

Sono a piedi — mi dà indicazioni per il percorso pedonale?

I'm on foot — can you give me directions for the pedestrian route?

Pronunciation

pe-do-NA-le — stress on third syllable. per-COR-so — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When asking for walking-specific directions rather than driving routes.

What it means

'A piedi' (on foot) specifies your mode of travel. 'Percorso pedonale' (pedestrian route) — 'pedonale' from 'pedone' (pedestrian). Walking directions in Italian cities often use different streets than driving routes — pedestrian zones (ZTL), alleys (vicoli), and courtyards (cortili) may be accessible on foot but not by car.

Variations

C'è un percorso pedonale più panoramico?

Is there a more scenic pedestrian route?

Choosing beauty over efficiency

Posso attraversare questa piazza a piedi?

Can I cross this square on foot?

Some squares restrict pedestrian access at certain times

Il percorso pedonale evita il traffico?

Does the pedestrian route avoid traffic?

Important in very busy Italian city centres

Mini Dialogue

— Sono a piedi — mi dà indicazioni per il percorso pedonale? — Certo. In macchina ci vorrebbe il doppio. A piedi prenda quella via lì — è una zona pedonale che porta direttamente alla piazza. — È più corto? — Molto di più. E più bello anche.

— I'm on foot — can you give me directions for the pedestrian route? — Of course. By car it would take double the time. On foot take that street there — it's a pedestrian zone that leads directly to the square. — Is it shorter? — Much shorter. And more beautiful too.

Cultural Note

Italian historic centres are increasingly pedestrianised — this is excellent for walkers. Many shortcuts through courtyards, medieval alleys, and public gardens are only accessible on foot. Walking gives access to the most authentic parts of Italian cities that cars and buses can never reach. Always choose to walk when in doubt — Italy rewards the pedestrian.