FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesMeeting Someone NewAbiti in questa zona da tanto?
A2informal

Abiti in questa zona da tanto?

Have you lived in this area for a long time?

Pronunciation

'Zona' = ZOH-na. 'Da tanto' = da TAN-toh — 'tanto' here means 'a long time' as a colloquial shorthand.

When to use it

Natural when meeting someone in your neighborhood, at a local shop, or community event. It establishes whether they are a long-time local who can give advice, or a newcomer like you.

What it means

Another 'da + present tense' duration structure. 'Da tanto' is a colloquial contraction of 'da tanto tempo' — very common in spoken Italian. 'Questa zona' (this area/neighborhood) is more specific than just 'qui' (here).

Variations

Sei di questa zona?

Are you from this area?

Simpler — asks about origin rather than duration.

Conosci bene il quartiere?

Do you know the neighborhood well?

Practical — opens the door to recommendations for shops, bars, etc.

Come ti trovi qui nel quartiere?

How do you find it here in the neighborhood?

Asks for an opinion — reveals their relationship with the local area.

Mini Dialogue

— Abiti in questa zona da tanto? — Da cinque anni. Prima non la conoscevo per niente. — E ti piace? — Moltissimo! È diventata casa mia.

— Have you lived in this area for a long time? — For five years. Before I didn't know it at all. — And do you like it? — Very much! It has become my home.

Cultural Note

Italian neighborhoods ('quartieri') have strong local identities with their own bars, markets, and festivals. Belonging to a neighborhood is a meaningful form of community identity for many Italians.