Meaning
Indicating time or distance limit.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'fino a tardi' is essential to Italian nightlife. It's common for bars to stay open until the last customer leaves, reflecting a flexible approach to time. 'Fino alla fine' is the official motto of Juventus FC, one of Italy's most famous soccer teams. It appears on jerseys and stadium banners. In Italian cooking, you often see instructions like 'cuocere fino a doratura' (cook until golden brown), emphasizing visual cues over strict timers. Because of Italy's long, narrow shape, people often use 'fino a' to describe traveling the length of the country, from the Alps to Sicily.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember that 'a' changes when followed by an article. 'Fino a il' is always 'fino al'.
Don't skip the 'a'
English speakers often say 'fino Roma', but it must be 'fino a Roma'.
Meaning
Indicating time or distance limit.
The 'A' Rule
Always remember that 'a' changes when followed by an article. 'Fino a il' is always 'fino al'.
Don't skip the 'a'
English speakers often say 'fino Roma', but it must be 'fino a Roma'.
Fino alla fine
Use this phrase to show you are determined and won't give up!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct articulated form of 'fino a' (al, alla, alle, etc.).
Camminiamo fino ___ parco.
'Parco' is masculine singular and starts with a consonant, so 'a + il' becomes 'al'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I work until 5 PM'?
Scegli la frase corretta:
'Fino alle' is used for time limits. 'Da' means since, and 'entro' means by.
Match the Italian phrase with its English meaning.
Abbina le frasi:
These are common fixed expressions using 'fino a'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'A che ora chiude il negozio?' B: 'È aperto ___ sette.'
We need 'fino a' + the article 'le' for 'sette' (hours).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCamminiamo fino ___ parco.
'Parco' is masculine singular and starts with a consonant, so 'a + il' becomes 'al'.
Scegli la frase corretta:
'Fino alle' is used for time limits. 'Da' means since, and 'entro' means by.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common fixed expressions using 'fino a'.
A: 'A che ora chiude il negozio?' B: 'È aperto ___ sette.'
We need 'fino a' + the article 'le' for 'sette' (hours).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you mean 'as far as where they are'. For example, 'Ho corso fino a lui' (I ran as far as him).
There is no difference in meaning. 'Sino a' is just more formal or literary.
Generally, no. It acts as a preposition and integrates directly into the sentence.
You say 'fino ad ora' or 'finora'. Note the 'd' added to 'a' for easier pronunciation.
No, for 'even' you should use 'perfino' or 'anche'.
Yes, 'finché' is a common contraction of 'fino a che'.
Yes, 'fino a 100 euro' means 'up to 100 euros'.
Yes, 'fino a qui' (up to here) and 'fino a lì' (up to there) are very common.
Then you just use 'fino a'. For example, 'fino a domani' or 'fino a Milano'.
Yes, 'Ho aspettato fino alle tre' (I waited until three).
Related Phrases
finché
similaruntil / as long as
entro
contrastwithin / by
da... a...
builds onfrom... to...
perfino
specialized formeven
sino a
synonymuntil
