DI tutti i colori! The most versatile preposition!
The preposition DI in Italian has multiple functions that enrich comunication and precision of speech.
It is one of the most versitile and frequent in the Italian Language and it is used in various contexts.
In learning the Italain language, one of the most common challanges for foreign students is the correct use of prepositions, let’s look at some examples:
Le preposizioni DA e A in italiano: distanza di tempo e di spazio
Prepositions Da and A in Italian: distance of time and space
Simple or Articulated
It is important to note that the preposition DI can be used in both simple and articulated forms.
The articulated form is obtained by combining DI + ARTICOLO DETERMINATIVO:
This combination not only facilitates pronunciation but also makes the reference to certain elements clearer and more specific.
Preposition DI to indicate origin
One of the most common uses of the preposition DI, and certainly one of the first studied when learning Italian, is to indicate origin.
Katia: No! Carlo non è di Trento, Carlo è di Trieste!
As seen in the example, the preposition DI is used with the verb ESSERE and is followed by a city name.
To better understand how to talk about your origin in Italian, refer to our articles, in the Italian version:
How to talk about your place of origin in Italian
in the English version:
Preposition DI to indicate possession
One of the most common uses of DI is to indicate possession.
Katia: … Dovremmo cercare nella libreria di Carlo, lui è un appassionato d’arte, sicuramente ha qualcosa di interessante. Oppure cercare nella libreria del Comune…
In this sentence, DI specifies that the library belongs to Laura and Katia’s friend.
The possession can be a proper noun or a common noun, in which case the articulated preposition is used.
Preposition DI to indicate the subject of a conversation or a work
DI is also used to introduce the subject being discussed.
Katia: … Parlando di arte, che ne dici di andare a vedere la mostra di fotografie la prossima settimana?….
Here, DI introduces the topic of the conversation and the subsequent exhibition.
Preposition DI to indicate the author of a work
To attribute a work to its creator, DI is used.
Katia: Sì! I quadri di Van Gogh sono davvero emozionanti.
In this case, DI indicates who painted the works.
Preposition DI to indicate the material of which an object Is made
When we want to specify the material objects are made of, we use DI.
Laura: … C’erano anche delle sculture di bronzo di Degas che erano straordinarie.
The preposition DI tells us what material the objects are made of.
Preposition DI to indicate belonging to a group
DI can also indicate people or objects that are part of a larger group.
Katia: “Iris” è uno dei dipinti più famosi di Van Gogh.
For example:
Uno di noi
Un libro di quella collezione.
Here, DI establishes a relationship of belonging to a larger set.
DI + ARTICOLO DETERMINATIVO to indicate an unspecified quantity: THE PARTITIVE
The use of the preposition DI + ARTICOLO DETERMINATIVO generates two types of different words:
– the articulated preposition;
Ex. Amo il profumo dell’erba bagnata.
– the partitive article;
Ex. Ho comprato del pane.
Partitive articles have two functions:
In the SINGULAR form
They indicate a part of a whole and are essentially used with uncountable nouns.
Ex. Il gattino ha bevuto del latte.
Laura: … Ha dimostrato di avere del talento per l’arte.
In the PLURAL form
They function as the plural of indefinite articles.
Ex.Ho comprato un giornale.Ho comprato dei giornali.
Laura: … Ho visto che avevano anche dei libri in vendita.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the preposition DI is fundamental in the Italian language to express possession, subject, author, material, belonging, and indefinite quantity.
Knowing and correctly using these functions enriches our ability to communicate precisely and clearly.