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Learn how to use Italian prepositions such as di, a, da, in, per, and tra/fra to indicate times of the day and periods. This beginner-level lesson covers essential usage rules with practical examples to help you express when actions happen clearly and naturally in Italian.
  1. Use "da" to indicate the beginning of a period of time.
  2. Use "a" to indicate a precise moment in time, and the end of a period of time.
  3. Use "in" to indicate a period of time in which something happens.
  4. Use "tra/fra" to indicate a time interval.
  5. Use "di" to indicate a time of day.
Preposizione (Preposition)Esempio (Example)
DiLavoro di pomeriggio (Afternoon work)
AMangio a mezzogiorno (I eat at noon)
DaDa domani sono in vacanza (From tomorrow I am on holiday)
InStudio in settimana (Study in the week)
PerMangio per le 12 (I eat for 12 o'clock)
Tra/fraFra le 6 e le 12 è mattina (Between 6 and 12 is morning)

Exercise 1: Le preposizioni: indicare momenti del giorno

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Da, Tra, Di, a, fra

1.
... notte dormo.
(At night I sleep.)
2.
Sono in città da oggi ... domani.
(I am in town from today to tomorrow.)
3.
Fino ... martedì non ci sono.
(I'm not here until Tuesday.)
4.
... martedì e mercoledì vado in vacanza.
(Between Tuesday and Wednesday, I am going on holiday.)
5.
Vado dal parrucchiere ... un'ora.
(I am going to the hairdresser in an hour.)
6.
Esco ... mezzogiorno.
(I go out at noon.)
7.
... oggi sono a scuola.
(From today I am at school.)
8.
... domani sono in vacanza.
(From tomorrow I am on holiday.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Vado ___ lavoro alle 9 di mattina.

(I go ___ work at 9 in the morning.)

2. Studio italiano ___ settimana.

(I study Italian ___ week.)

3. Lavoro ___ lunedì mattina.

(I work ___ Monday morning.)

4. La pausa è ___ le 13 e le 14.

(The break is ___ 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.)

5. Mangio qualcosa ___ pomeriggio.

(I eat something ___ afternoon.)

6. La riunione finisce ___ mezzogiorno.

(The meeting ends ___ noon.)

Introduction to Italian Prepositions for Indicating Times of the Day

This lesson focuses on some essential Italian prepositions used to specify moments within the day or periods of time. Understanding how to properly use prepositions like di, a, da, in, per, and tra/fra is vital for expressing when actions occur, a fundamental skill at the A1 beginner level.

Key Prepositions and Their Uses

  • Di is used to denote parts of the day, such as pomeriggio (afternoon) in "Lavoro di pomeriggio".
  • A indicates exact times or the end of a timeframe, shown in "Mangio a mezzogiorno".
  • Da marks the beginning of a time period, e.g., "Da domani sono in vacanza".
  • In refers to a general time span when something happens, like "Studio in settimana".
  • Per often points to an intended time, as in "Mangio per le 12".
  • Tra/fra express intervals, for example, "Fra le 6 e le 12 è mattina."

Usage and Context

Unlike English where prepositions of time such as "at," "on," and "in" have clear-cut applications, Italian prepositions blend concepts of time periods, boundaries, and precise moments more flexibly. For instance, "a" covers exact times and period ends, while "da" highlights starting points, a nuance that learners should watch for.

Common useful phrases include:

  • Vado al lavoro alle 9 di mattina. (I go to work at 9 in the morning.)
  • Studio italiano durante la settimana. (I study Italian during the week.)
  • Lavoro da lunedì mattina. (I work from Monday morning.)

Mastering these prepositions will help you describe daily routines, plans, and schedules more naturally and accurately in Italian.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Monday, 14/07/2025 20:54