Italian preposition "a" (at, to,...)
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The preposition a (at) has a lot of uses in Italian.
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When a expresses a direction, it translates as to.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Andare a Milano | To go to Milan |
Andare al mare | To go to the seaside |
When a expresses location in space:
Italian | English |
---|---|
Abitare a Milano | To live in Milan |
Essere al mare | To be at the seaside |
When a expresses an exact time or moment, it usually translates as at.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Alle sei | At six o'clock |
A sedici anni | At sixteen |
Be careful! Unlike English, some Italian expressions need the article after the preposition (see Italian articulated prepositions)
Alle sei → At six o'clock
Months behave differently. In this case, a translates as in.
Italian | English |
---|---|
A maggio | In May |
A luglio | In July |
When a expresses a distance in terms of space and time, it translates as away (placed after the complement expressing distance).
Italian | English |
---|---|
Lavoro a due chilometri da qui | I work two kilometres away from here |
Roma è a tre ore da Firenze | Rome is three hours away from Florence |
When a expresses an indirect object, it usually translates as to.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Voglio dare questo libro a te | I want to give this book to you (I want to give you this book) |
Tu hai scritto una lettera a Maria | You wrote a letter to Maria |
In the following table you can find a list of typical Italian expressions that are introduced by the preposition "a".
Italian | English |
---|---|
a destra | to the right |
all'oscuro | in the dark (without knowledge) |
a sinistra | to the left |
all'alba | at sunrise |
al mattino | in the morning |
al tramonto | at sunset |
a cominciare da | beginning with, starting from |
a momenti | sporadically, sometimes |
al momento | at present, now |
all'ultimo momento | at the last minute |
a bocca aperta | open-mouthed |
rimanere a bocca asciutta | to be left empty- handed |
a braccia aperte | open-armed |
alla buona | simple, informally |
a malincuore | reluctantly |
fatto a mano | handmade, hand-crafted |
a mano a mano | little by little |
rapina a mano armata | armed robbery |
imparare a memoria | to learn by heart |
a metà | halfway |
ad ogni costo | come hell or high water |
ad ogni modo | in any case, at any rate |
(stare/calzare) a pennello | to a "t" |
a/alla perfezione | perfectly, just right |
a pois | polka-dotted |
a quadri | checked (of material) |
a rovescio | inside out |
a strisce | striped |
a tempo pieno | full time |
a tutta velocità | at full speed |
a vicenda | in turn, each other |
a voce alta | in a loud voice |
a voce bassa | in a soft voice |
all'altezza | up to a task |
a bruciapelo | point break |
a buon mercato | cheap |
a lungo andare | in the long run |
a volontà | at will, as much as you want |
a mio avviso | in my opinion |
a capo | new paragraph (in dictation) |
a posto | tidy |
mettere a posto | to tidy up |
è tutto a posto | everything's fine |
a proposito di | speaking about |
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Hi, guys! My name is Lucia and I would like to invite you to learn Italian with me.
I am both a native speaker and a QUALIFIED teacher, as I hold a post-graduate degree in “Teaching Italian as a second language” and a national certification as teacher of Italian to not-native speaking.
My teaching method is COMMUNICATION-oriented and involves also the study of Italian culture and grammar. Indeed, as it happens in your mother language, the knowledge of spare words is not enough to get able to speak (i.e. INTERACT!) properly and conveniently.
I’ll prepare for you all teaching materials, tailoring lessons to your needs and interests, taking advantage from both the huge number of textbooks I hold and my creativity!
I offer lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced, as well as support in preparation to certification exams (I am also qualified ad examiner for the oral part of CELI).
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me to find a suitable time-slot for your trial lesson!
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Lucia is an excellent teacher of the Italian language with an excellent methodology, with a perfectly organized and individualized teaching program that meets the needs and level of each student and with a willingness to offer multidimensional tools to achieve the purpose of the courses. At the same time, she is an extremely noble and pleasant person, with amazing contagion in her field! An excellent teacher whom I feel extremely lucky to have met!
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Hello! My name is Deborah! I am a language instructor. I teach Italian, English and Bulgarian. I have more than 15 years teaching experience, both face-to-face and online to individual as well as to small and large groups. At the moment I am teaching Italian in a private school in Sofia, Bulgaria- where I lived for more than 10 years. I teach English to students ready to move to English speaking countries for work, and to students who need Еnglish for their career. I also prepare students for exams (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE), and I offer language courses for communication and travelling purposes.
I attended the College (tourism) in Lucca-Italy. I have a diploma in Secretarial and Business Administration from the South Kensington and Chelsea Collage in London- (I lived in London few years ago). I have a TEFL certificate -grade A. and an ECL certificate in Bulgarian C1 with 96/100. Therefore, I have a good knowledge of how languages work and I can provide my students with helpful insight. Teaching is my passion, and I am constantly in search for new methods to help my students to get through the challenges and the difficults when learning a new language.
I am an enthusiastic, dedicated and adaptable teacher. I always use the communicative method in my teaching and I try to make my students feel comfortable by creating a funny and relaxed environment.
I hope to see you soon in one of my classes!
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Amazing teacher , always on time and the more I took lessons the more I understood Italian , I am still not speaking well but I can understand 75% of what people on the street are saying to me compared to the beginning when I only understood 20-30% , that really helped me a lot specially since it is hard to find English speaking places around me , the lesson is always on time and the teacher is flexible and the teaching materials are great with Italian culture and everyday life mixed in recommended
Deborah M.Thank you!! You have an always positive attitude, you work hard to do a great job!
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Would you like to learn a new language and need somebody to guide you? I am the right person for you
Learning a foreign language is always a good investment: it broadens your cultural horizons, it increases dramatically your employability and it helps your business penetrate foreign markets.
I have experience in teaching English, Spanish and Italian to non-Italian speakers of all ages, both individuals and groups, in your office or at home. I am available for grammar and conversation classes, classes in preparation for special exams, certificates and corporate events, both in person and on Skype.
I think that learning a language necessarily means involving students in real situations, with a cheerful approach. Therefore, I like developing creative, effective and bespoke programmes, based on my students’ needs, age, likes, and why not, character. I am a dynamic and joyful yet precise and demanding teacher, who is always ready to motivate, encourage and listen to her students.
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Ilaria is a very well-structured and experienced teacher for Spanish, English and Italian! I totally recommend her to anyone!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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Hi, my name is Alessia, I teach Italian to foreigners.
I got a degree in "DAMS" (Disciplines of Arts, Music, and Entertainment), a degree in "Italian Literature, language, and Culture - Cultural Promotion Curriculum", the CEDILS certification from the Ca' Foscari University of Venice for the teaching of 'Italian to foreigners and I am a CELI examiner of the CEDIS Lazio network. I have collaborated on various educational projects, language learning apps, and educational and recreational videos for children.
I am available to help you with your projects if you need help writing for example a theme, a letter, or your curriculum vitae.
An example of one of my lessons to learn the language in a more fun way? Through the analysis of a scene taken from an Italian film, we will analyze the syntax, grammar, idioms, and puns, we will hear the accents so that you too can speak like an Italian.
I can help you learn Italian in many ways, personalizing the lessons as much as possible according to your needs.
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Alessia is a goal-oriented and very professional teacher who I can recommend highly. She targets a students weak points allowing one to improve rapidly. We worked with various mediums e.g. documentaries, textbooks, written and verbal exercises, all specifically chosen to meet the needs and interests of the student.
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Hello my name is Lucia and I am a native Italian speaker.
I have a degree as an interpreter for English and French so I know how hard it may be to learn a foreign language. I work as a free-lance interpreter and private English and French teacher. I have a strong passion for languages which I have been studying for many years. I am studying Spanish now and always trying to improve my English and French knowledge. I am a friendly person and my lessons mainly focus on conversation. As a teacher I am very patient and I always propose tailor-made lessons with respect to your needs. I am really enthusiastic about being a teacher because this activity allows you to share your culture and habits with foreign people. Learning a language is also learning a new culture.
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Lucia is wonderful! I found her to have all the qualities one looks for a teacher: she is kind, patient, intelligent, supportive and she explains in easier Italian when I don‘t understand a word or expression.
Lucia Maria C.Dear Giuliana, thank you so much for your review. I am sure that you will make a lot of progress thanks to your motivation and commitment. See you next lesson :)
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Hello,
I am a multilingual teacher with experience in teaching French to German, Japanese, English, Bulgarian and Italian-speaking students, etc. (levels A1 to C1).
I have been teaching French for 8 years in Luxemburg and now in Bulgaria for 4 years, to teenagers, housewives, businessmen, employees, doctors, etc. I can also help you with DELF and DALF preparation. I give lessons via Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams in several countries.
My teaching method for each class : a grammar point together with listening, a lot of speaking with conversation questions or games. While you speak, I write all the new words you need to express yourself, illustrated by pictures or translated in your language.
I do my best to make you feel comfortable to speak and for you to have a pleasant time. According to me, using humour will help you learn more easily.
Whether you need to learn French for business, integration in a French-speaking country or studying, I will be happy to help you. Do not hesitate to contact me for a free trial lesson.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Katia
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Katia is a very sweet person, her pronunciation is BEAUTIFUL and she’s very knowledgeable. I loved my lessons with her. I highly recommend her
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Ana is a genuinely nice person and her kindness and gentleness comes through in the lessons. I thoroughly enjoy Ana’s teaching , it’s informative and tailored exactly to what I want to achieve. I wholeheartedly recommend Ana as your Spanish tutor.
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Hi, I'm Dajana, I'm 31 years old and I come from Naples.
I am graduated in Foreign Languages and Litteratures and I have a II Level Master degree in Teaching Italian as Second Language.
I have teached italian to foreign people, above all adults at any age, in several NGOs and social cooperatives in the last 4 years.
How will I teach you italian? By playing!
I know that studying a language by reading a grammar book and mechanically completing the attached exercises can be boring and above all does not train your mind.
Learning instead should be a pleasure, so I like to use small funny videos, songs, puzzles and so on.
I also prefer the inductive method so that you can understand how Italian works on your own and then fix the grammatical rules together.
That way you’ll learn Italian without even realizing it!
But all this depends on you and how you prefer to study. I will be very happy to adopt the method that suits your case. The most important thing is that you get your goals with pleasure!
Don’t you think studying can be a pleasure? Join me and you’ll find out!
Cheers,
Dajana
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Dajana adapts to the profile of its students and their constraints, while ensuring follow-up between each lesson. The lessons also work very well in groups. I am very satisfied. Dajana adapts to its students and their constraints. She's also keen on ensuring a follow up between lessons. It also works very well in groups. I am fully satisfied
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Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
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Luisa is fantastic! We are just doing conversation because that is what I need, and requested from Luisa. Easy flow and no lacking of topics to talk about with her. I highly recommend Luisa!!!
Luisa A.Thank you so much !!! It's a pleasure for me !!!
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
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Wonderful teacher, thanks to her methodology and her pedagogical skills I could to reach the required level of italian language even without living in Italy. Highly recommended!!
Daniela V.Thanks, Lana. Your Italian is growing more and more and I am sure that the next big goal will soon arrive! :-D
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
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Very Nice communication, easy to study and practice Italiano, I am a Beginner and She has the patience to understand me.
Daniela V.Hola Pedro, thanks for your words. I'm glad you enjoyed our first class. Get ready, we are going to learn more and more! :-D
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Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
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Daniela is an extraordinary teacher and has helped me become very confident in speaking Italian and I really like every lesson, thanks Daniela.
Daniela V.Dear Pip, thank you for your positive feedback and thank you for your trust !. You're doing an exceptional job, keep it up :-)
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Do you want to learn Italian to know better the Italian culture and enjoy a trip in Italy? Do you need it for your business or to speak with your relatives?
Whatever is your reason in learning Italian I can help you and personalize your lesson according to your needs and interest.
My work as Italian tutor started with my love for languages and for travels. I experienced that learning a new language is a way to know a new culture and to enrich your knowledge of the world.
I started teaching Italian online few years ago. I have a TEFL certificate, and currently teach students from different parts of the world.
Before teaching Italian, I worked for a few years after graduation in tourism.
I believe that the teacher work requires continual renewal and study of new teaching methods is part of my job.
Feel free to contact me so we can tailor your personal lessons.
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A big 'thank you'to Davide for the last 12 lessons. We have done some very useful work together and he is supportive and encouraging.
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Dear student, my name is Domingo and I am an Italian teacher. 2 short words about me:
After classical studies, I graduated in Italian language and literature. Then I obtained the Cedils certificate as a teacher of Italian for foreigners.
What kind of teacher am I? How can I help you?
Well, I can help you who already know Italian, B1, B2, C1, C2, but you want to deepen the Italian culture, you love poetry, music or maybe you want to discover Italian cinema, or you simply want to improve your command in this tongue.
You who study in Italy, you have to deal with subjects such as history, literature, philosophy, sociology, and you want to deepen some words or concepts in Italian and you want coaching, a valid help.
To you professional, who know Italian but need cultural support to achieve your goals.
I believe that teaching is an exchange, where the teacher is the first to learn. I believe that a language is best learned with emotional involvement, in a relaxed and friendly environment, to allow for greater assimilation into long-term memory. By the word emotional, I mean the pleasure of doing something, of getting involved and having fun. So my dear students, I hope to meet you soon to discover Italian together !!!
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Very good lessons, professional and interesting. Also, very tailored made approach to teaching. Highly recommended A+++++
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