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Learn how to use Italian prepositions to indicate times of the day: "di" for parts of the day (di pomeriggio), "a" for exact times (a mezzogiorno), "da" for starting points (da domani), "in" for periods (in settimana), and "tra/fra" for intervals (fra le 6 e le 12).
  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.)

Understanding Italian Prepositions to Indicate Times of the Day

This lesson focuses on the use of Italian prepositions specifically tailored to express different moments of the day and specific time frames. It is designed for A1 level learners who want to build a solid foundation in how time and periods are described in Italian.

Lesson Overview

Italian uses several prepositions to specify times and time intervals, each serving a particular function:

  • Di: Indicates parts of the day.
  • A: Marks a precise moment in time or the end of a time period.
  • Da: Used to signal the beginning of a time period.
  • In: Refers to a general time period within which something happens.
  • Per: Specifies an exact time, usually a planned moment.
  • Tra/Fra: Denotes an interval between two times.

Examples to Remember

PrepositionExample
DiLavoro di pomeriggio
AMangio a mezzogiorno
DaDa domani sono in vacanza
InStudio in settimana
PerMangio per le 12
Tra/FraFra le 6 e le 12 è mattina

Key Points to Keep in Mind

  • The prepositions a, in, su, and con can indicate either place or time, but their use varies depending on context.
  • Da marks when a time period starts, for example: "Da domani" means "From tomorrow."
  • A highlights a specific time ("a mezzogiorno" = "at noon") and the end of a time span.
  • In suggests a time frame within which an action occurs (e.g., "studio in settimana" means "I study during the week").
  • Tra and fra often are interchangeable and show a range or interval between two times.
  • Di is used for parts of the day such as morning, afternoon, or evening.

Notes on Differences Between English and Italian

In English, prepositions like "at," "in," and "on" are used to talk about times, but their application is often different from Italian. For example, Italians use "di" to express parts of the day (e.g., "di pomeriggio" for "in the afternoon"), whereas English typically uses "in." Also, the Italian "da" can mark the start of a time period, which in English is often conveyed simply by "from." Understanding these nuances helps avoid direct translation mistakes.

Useful Italian phrases:

  • "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.)
  • "La pausa è tra le 13 e le 14." (The break is between 1 and 2 p.m.)
  • "Mangio qualcosa di pomeriggio." (I eat something in the afternoon.)
  • "La riunione finisce a mezzogiorno." (The meeting ends at noon.)

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 02:09