Signification
Indicating spatial position.
Contexte culturel
In old Italian cities, 'dietro' often refers to the hidden courtyards (cortili) that are not visible from the street. These are private oases for residents. The phrase 'dietro le quinte' is used exactly like 'behind the scenes'. Italy has a rich history of cinema (Cinecittà), and this phrase is common in media. In Italy, being 'dietro' in a line (fare la coda) is a social art. People often ask 'Chi è l'ultimo?' to know who they are behind. There's an old superstition about not looking 'dietro le spalle' (behind one's shoulders) in certain contexts, similar to 'don't look back'.
The 'A' Rule
If you're unsure, using 'dietro a' + article is almost always correct and sounds very natural.
Pronoun Alert
Don't say 'dietro a me'. Say 'dietro di me'. It's a small change that makes a huge difference.
Signification
Indicating spatial position.
The 'A' Rule
If you're unsure, using 'dietro a' + article is almost always correct and sounds very natural.
Pronoun Alert
Don't say 'dietro a me'. Say 'dietro di me'. It's a small change that makes a huge difference.
Dropping the 'A'
In fast, casual speech, you can drop the 'a'. 'Dietro la porta' is very common in Italy.
Queue Etiquette
When in a line, always look 'dietro' to see who is following you; it's polite to acknowledge the next person.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form (dietro, dietro a, dietro al, etc.).
Il gatto dorme ______ divano.
We need the articulated preposition 'al' (a + il) because 'divano' is a masculine singular noun.
Which sentence is correct for 'He is behind me'?
Choose the best option:
With personal pronouns, 'dietro' usually takes 'di'.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'C'è un grande studio dietro a questo libro.'
This refers to the work put into writing the book, not its physical position.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Scusi, dov'è il bagno? B: È ______ quella porta marrone.
'Porta' is feminine, so we use 'alla' (a + la).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Dietro vs. Dopo
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIl gatto dorme ______ divano.
We need the articulated preposition 'al' (a + il) because 'divano' is a masculine singular noun.
Choose the best option:
With personal pronouns, 'dietro' usually takes 'di'.
Sentence: 'C'è un grande studio dietro a questo libro.'
This refers to the work put into writing the book, not its physical position.
A: Scusi, dov'è il bagno? B: È ______ quella porta marrone.
'Porta' is feminine, so we use 'alla' (a + la).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'dietro la casa' is perfectly acceptable and very common in spoken Italian.
Yes, 'dietro di me' is the standard grammatical form for pronouns.
Use the idiom 'dietro le quinte'.
Only in a spatial sense. If you mean 'the back of a person', use 'schiena'. If you mean 'return', use 'indietro'.
No, use 'dopo' for time sequences.
The opposite is 'davanti a' (in front of).
It is neutral. It can be used in any context.
Dietro al palazzo or Dietro il palazzo.
'Di dietro' usually refers to the back part of an object as a noun phrase.
Yes, like 'I am behind you' (Ti sostengo / Sono dietro di te).
Expressions liées
davanti a
contrastin front of
accanto a
similarnext to
indietro
builds onback / backwards
di dietro
specialized formfrom behind / the back part
alle spalle di
synonymbehind the back of
dietro le quinte
specialized formbehind the scenes
