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PhrasesTalking About FamilyMio fratello lavora all'estero da due anni.
A2

Mio fratello lavora all'estero da due anni.

My brother has been working abroad for two years.

Pronunciation

'All'estero' = al-LEH-steh-ro — three syllables. 'Fratello' = fra-TEL-lo — double 'l'. Both words stress on the second syllable.

When to use it

Use when describing a family member's situation. Many young Italians have worked or studied abroad — it's a rich conversation topic that touches on emigration, family distance, and modern Italian identity.

What it means

'Da + present tense' for duration: 'lavora da due anni' = 'has been working for two years.' 'All'estero' = 'abroad' — contraction of 'a + l' + 'estero.' 'Mio fratello' — no article with singular family member in possessive.

Variations

Si è trasferito a Londra per un'opportunità di lavoro.

He moved to London for a work opportunity.

Specifies destination and reason — more detailed account of the move.

Ci manca molto.

We miss him a lot.

'Mancare' (to miss) — one of the most important Italian emotional verbs.

Speriamo che torni presto.

We hope he comes back soon.

'Speriamo che + congiuntivo' — B1 structure expressing hope.

Mini Dialogue

— Hai fratelli? — Sì, uno. Ma mio fratello lavora all'estero da due anni — a Berlino. — Dev'essere difficile la lontananza. — Sì, soprattutto per mia madre. Ma ci colleghiamo ogni settimana in video.

— Do you have siblings? — Yes, one. But my brother has been working abroad for two years — in Berlin. — The distance must be difficult. — Yes, especially for my mother. But we connect every week on video.

Cultural Note

Youth emigration ('fuga dei cervelli' — brain drain) is a significant social issue in Italy. Many educated young Italians move abroad for better opportunities. Families adapt with weekly video calls — a modern form of the traditional Sunday phone call.