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PhrasesTaking a TaxiPrenda questa via.
B1formal

Prenda questa via.

Take this street.

Pronunciation

'Prenda' — 'PREN-da'. This is the formal imperative ('Lei' form) of 'prendere'.

When to use it

Use when you need to direct the driver to turn onto a specific street — often because you are local and know a shortcut.

What it means

'Prenda' is the formal imperative of 'prendere'. In Italian, giving directions uses this formal imperative register: 'giri a destra' (turn right), 'vada dritto' (go straight), 'prenda la prima a sinistra' (take the first on the left).

Variations

Giri a destra al semaforo.

Turn right at the traffic light.

'Giri' is the formal imperative of 'girare' (to turn).

Vada dritto fino all'incrocio.

Go straight to the junction.

'Vada' is the formal imperative of 'andare'.

Si giri qui.

Turn around here.

Asks the driver to make a U-turn.

Mini Dialogue

— Prenda questa via, è più corta. — Sicuro? Di solito vado per il viale. — Sì, conosco bene la zona. Faccia così. — Come vuole lei.

— Take this street, it's shorter. — Are you sure? I usually go via the avenue. — Yes, I know the area well. Do it this way. — As you wish.

Cultural Note

Italian taxi drivers are professionals and may resist route changes from passengers they perceive as tourists. Speaking confidently and using the right Italian imperative forms ('prenda', 'giri') signals local knowledge and earns respect.