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PhrasesMeeting Someone NewAbiti con la famiglia o da solo/a?
A2informal

Abiti con la famiglia o da solo/a?

Do you live with family or alone?

Pronunciation

'Famiglia' = fa-MEE-lya — the 'gli' sound is a palatal lateral. Don't say fa-MEEL-ee-ya.

When to use it

A natural follow-up after establishing where someone lives. Less intrusive than asking about a partner — it opens conversation about living arrangements without prying into romantic life.

What it means

The question offers two options — 'con la famiglia' or 'da solo/a' — which makes it easy to answer. 'Da solo/a' means 'alone' and the -a ending is used by female speakers. The verb 'abitare' is A1 level.

Variations

Vivi da solo/a?

Do you live alone?

Direct yes/no version — use only when the context makes it natural.

Hai dei coinquilini?

Do you have flatmates?

'Coinquilino' = flatmate/housemate — very useful for young people in cities.

Sei in affitto o di proprietà?

Are you renting or do you own?

More specific about property — natural among adults talking about housing.

Mini Dialogue

— Abiti con la famiglia o da solo? — Da solo — ho un appartamentino in affitto vicino al lavoro. — Comodo! Io invece vivo ancora con i miei genitori. — Niente male, risparmi sull'affitto!

— Do you live with family or alone? — Alone — I have a small flat near work. — Convenient! I still live with my parents. — Not bad, you save on rent!

Cultural Note

A significant number of Italian young adults live with their parents well into their 30s, due to high rent costs and cultural norms. This is called being a 'bamboccione' — a light-hearted term, not necessarily negative.