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Scene illustrating a Italian-language basic directions conversation

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!

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▶️

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.

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↩️

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!

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↪️

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!

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⬆️

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.

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📍

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'.

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⬆️

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.

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⬇️

Sud

SOOD

South

💬 ‘Sud’ is straightforward; think Mediterranean vibes.

🇮🇹 Southern Italy is famous for its rich culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality.

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➡️

Est

EST

East

💬 Sounds like 'east'. Easy mnemonic: both have st/end.

🇮🇹 Eastern Italy has Adriatic Sea influences, contributing to its unique cultural tastes.

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🚀

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