Phrases › Reading Signs and Maps › Dove sono su questa mappa?

Dove sono su questa mappa?

Where am I on this map?

Pronunciation

'Mappa' — MAP-pa. Double 'p' briefly held; stress on the first syllable.

When to use it

Ask a tourist office worker or passerby to point to your location on a paper map. Also the first thing to establish before trying to navigate.

What it means

'Dove sono' means where am I (literally where are I). The verb 'essere' in the first person singular is 'sono'. 'Su questa mappa' (on this map) — 'su' is the preposition for location on a flat surface. A key follow-up: 'Può indicarmi con il dito?' (Can you point with your finger?)

Variations

Può indicarmi la nostra posizione?

Can you point out our position?

Polite formal request using 'Lei'.

Siamo vicini al centro?

Are we near the centre?

Relative position question.

C'è un 'Lei è qui' sulla mappa?

Is there a 'You are here' on the map?

Look for the 'Voi siete qui' marker on Italian maps.

Mini Dialogue

— Dove sono su questa mappa? — Siete qui — indica con il dito — vicino alla fontana. — E il museo è lontano? — No, cento metri in quella direzione.

— Where am I on this map? — You're here — points — near the fountain. — And is the museum far? — No, a hundred metres in that direction.

Cultural Note

Italian tourist boards often provide free large-format fold-out maps with a clear 'Voi siete qui' (You are here) marker. These are available at APT offices, major museums, and the arrival areas of main airports and train stations.

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