
Key Phrases
Svolta a sinistra
Left turn
Dritto avanti
Straight ahead
In cima
On top
Skills You'll Learn
Giving directions
Dare indicazioni
Understanding positional vocabulary
Comprendere il vocabolario di posizione
Describing locations
Descrivere le posizioni
Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases
Lato sinistro
LAH-toh see-NEES-troh
Left side
💬 Sinistro shares the root for words about the left side, similar to English 'sinister'.
🇮🇹 In Italy, people often drive on the right side of the road, so be sure to know your left and right!
See breakdown →Lato destro
LAH-toh DES-tro
Right side
💬 Destro literally means 'right', similar to 'dexterous' in English.
🇮🇹 It's common to offer the 'right hand' in greeting, embodying politeness and keenness.
See breakdown →Svolta a sinistra
ZVOLL-tah ah see-NEE-strah
Left turn
💬 'Svolta' is used for turning; remember it's a softer action than 'girare'.
🇮🇹 When giving directions in Italy, remember that patience is key, especially in busy cities!
See breakdown →Svolta a destra
ZVOLL-tah ah DEH-strah
Right turn
💬 A 'destra' literally means 'to the right'. Try using hand motions while learning!
🇮🇹 In Italian traffic, drivers might be more assertive, so a quick turn can be essential!
See breakdown →Dritto avanti
DREET-toh ah-VAHN-tee
Straight ahead
💬 Dritto sounds like 'straight' which helps remember the alignment.
🇮🇹 Italians often add gestures pointing forward; gestures are a big part of communication.
See breakdown →Proprio qui
PROH-pryo kwee
Right here
💬 'Proprio' emphasizes the immediacy, as in being exactly there.
🇮🇹 Italians use gestures like pointing to ensure clarity when saying 'right here'.
See breakdown →Nord
NOR-d
North
💬 Similar to 'north' in English—easy to remember the cardinal direction terms!
🇮🇹 The north of Italy is known for industry and famous cities like Milan and Turin.
See breakdown →Sud
SOOD
South
💬 ‘Sud’ is straightforward; think Mediterranean vibes.
🇮🇹 Southern Italy is famous for its rich culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality.
See breakdown →Est
EST
East
💬 Sounds like 'east'. Easy mnemonic: both have st/end.
🇮🇹 Eastern Italy has Adriatic Sea influences, contributing to its unique cultural tastes.
See breakdown →Learn this vocabulary list the easy way
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