Meaning
Describing distance.
Cultural Background
In many Italian historical centers, cars are banned (ZTL). Therefore, 'lontano da qui' often refers to walking distance rather than driving distance. In the South, hospitality is key. If you ask if something is far, a local might say 'non è lontano' even if it is, just to make you feel better or to offer you a ride. The phrase is frequently heard in train stations when commuters discuss the distance between 'stazione centrale' and 'stazione secondaria'. With the rise of apps like Glovo or Deliveroo in Italy, 'lontano da qui' is a common complaint when a favorite restaurant is outside the delivery radius. Historically, pilgrims walking the Via Francigena used this phrase to gauge their progress toward Rome.
Use 'Molto'
If you want to emphasize that something is really far, always add 'molto' before 'lontano'.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'lontano di qui'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'da'.
Meaning
Describing distance.
Use 'Molto'
If you want to emphasize that something is really far, always add 'molto' before 'lontano'.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'lontano di qui'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'da'.
Qui vs Qua
Use 'qui' for a precise spot and 'qua' for a more general area. 'Lontano da qui' is more common for specific directions.
Italian Time
If an Italian says it's 'non lontano,' it might still be a 15-minute walk. Be prepared!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Il museo è lontano ___ qui.
In Italian, 'lontano' is followed by the preposition 'da' to indicate the point of origin.
Choose the most natural response to the question.
Scusi, la stazione è vicino?
If someone asks if it's near and it's not, you say 'No, it is far'.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: Andiamo a piedi al ristorante? B: No, ________. Prendiamo l'autobus.
The suggestion to take the bus implies the place is far.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are looking at a map and realize the city you want to visit is 200km away.
200km is a significant distance, making it 'lontano'.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'essere'.
Le montagne ______ lontano da qui.
The subject 'Le montagne' is plural, so the verb must be 'sono'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Lontano vs. Vicino
Practice Bank
5 exercisesIl museo è lontano ___ qui.
In Italian, 'lontano' is followed by the preposition 'da' to indicate the point of origin.
Scusi, la stazione è vicino?
If someone asks if it's near and it's not, you say 'No, it is far'.
A: Andiamo a piedi al ristorante? B: No, ________. Prendiamo l'autobus.
The suggestion to take the bus implies the place is far.
Situation: You are looking at a map and realize the city you want to visit is 200km away.
200km is a significant distance, making it 'lontano'.
Le montagne ______ lontano da qui.
The subject 'Le montagne' is plural, so the verb must be 'sono'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it's more common to use 'manca molto' (much is missing) for time. However, 'Il futuro è lontano' is perfectly correct.
'Lontano' is more common in speech. 'Distante' is slightly more formal or technical.
In the phrase 'È lontano da qui', 'lontano' usually stays masculine because it refers to 'il posto' (the place).
You can say 'molto lontano' or use the absolute superlative 'lontanissimo'.
No, you can just say 'È lontano' if the context of 'from here' is already clear.
Yes, that means 'far from me' (emotionally or physically).
It's the Italian version of 'Out of sight, out of mind'.
Yes, 'qui' and 'qua' both mean 'here'.
In Italian, 'da' is the preposition for motion from a place or separation.
Yes, for example: 'Il nostro ufficio è lontano da qui, possiamo incontrarci a metà strada?'
Not at all, it's a factual statement about distance.
You say 'Quanto dista?' or 'Quanto è lontano?'
Related Phrases
Vicino a qui
contrastNear here
Dista molto
synonymIt is very distant
In fondo alla strada
specialized formAt the end of the road
Fuori mano
similarOut of the way
Lontano dagli occhi, lontano dal cuore
builds onOut of sight, out of mind
