In addition to the simple prepositions we’ve already covered, there are also “improper” prepositions, called preposizioni improprie in Italian, which are actually adverbs, adjectives, participles, and phrases, which often function as prepositions in general use.
If this is unclear, think of an English example. For instance, the word around is an adverb, because it describes a way of performing a verb. In the phrase “look around”, around modifies look. However, we often use this word as a preposition, like when someone says “the office is just around the corner”. In cases like these, it is an improper preposition. Italian has them too, and that’s what we’re talking about today.
Avverbi (adverbs)
The following adverbs function as prepositions.
- sotto
-
- under
- sopra
-
- over
- prima
-
- before
- dopo
-
- after
- presso
-
- by
- accanto
-
- near by
- oltre
-
- further
- dietro
-
- behind
- davanti
-
- in front of
- avanti
-
- in front of
- innanzi
-
- in front of
- insieme
- together
- intorno
-
- around
- attorno
-
- around
- dentro
-
- inside
- fuori
-
- outside
Examples:
- Starò fuori città per qualche giorno.
I will be out of town for a few days.
- Arrivo a casa prima di cena.
I will be home before dinner.
- Il cane è sotto il tavolo.
The dog is under the table.
- La casa di mia nonna è vicina.
My grandmother’s house is close.
Aggettivi (adjectives)
Next, there are adjectives which are used as prepositions.
- secondo
-
- in accordance with
- lungo
-
- along
- vicino
-
- near, close by
- lontano
- far
Examples:
- La mia casa è vicino alla chiesa, lungo il canale.
My house is near the church, along the canal.
- Secondo me lontono dai suoceri si vive meglio.
In my opinion life is better far from your in-laws.
Participi (participals)
These are participals which are used as prepositions.
- durante
- during
- nonostante
- in spite of
- salvo
- near
Examples:
- Ci siamo divertiti molto durante le vacanze.
We had a lot of fun during our vacation.
- Nonostante la pioggia non faceva freddo.
In spite of the rain, it was not cold.
Locuzioni (expressions)
And finally, there are a few phrases that are used as prepositions.
- di fronte a
- in front of
- in mezzo a
- in between
- al pari di
- as much as
- a causa di
- because of
- in base a
- on account of
- in vista di
- having in mind
Examples:
- Sono senza parole di fronte alla tua bravura.
I am speechless at your ability.
- Non abbiamo fatto queil viaggio a causa del maltempo.
We did not go on that trip due to bad weather.
