“Da” and “Per” in Italian
Both “da” and “per” are Italian prepositions. They are used in several different circumstances, which is the reason why they are often confusing.
The most common translation of da is “by/from”, so it is used to describe the origin or source of something, while the most common translation of per is “for”, therefore used for the aim or recipient.
However, both prepositions are commonly used to express time, and this is where I noticed that most Italian learners have trouble.
So, let me explain you the main differences between these two words, and let me give you some tips to master them properly!
“Da” vs “Per” in Italian
What Does “Da” Mean in Italian?
As I mentioned before, da is a preposition with several uses and meanings that depend on the context. Here are some of the most common interpretations:
- Origin or source: Used to indicate the origin of someone or something. For example: Vengo da Roma means “I come from Rome”.
- Location: It can imply being or going at someone’s place, therefore it is essential that there is a person in the place you want to mention. For example: Vado dal parrucchiere or Sono da Maria (I am going to the hairdresser) or (I am at Maria’s place).
- Time: When related to time, “da” is used to indicate the starting point of a period. For example: Studio italiano da tre anni (I have been studying Italian for three years).
- Cause: Sometimes, it indicates the cause of something. For example: Tremo dal freddo! (I’m shivering because of the cold!).
- Function or role: Used to describe a function or role. For example: da presidente, devo… (as a president, I must…).
What Does “Per” Mean in Italian?
The same applies to per.
- Purpose or intention: It indicates the purpose of an action or the intended use of something. For example: Questo libro è per te (This book is for you).
- Destination: It can indicate the destination of a movement. For example: Partiamo per Roma domani (We are leaving for Rome tomorrow).
- Duration: When referring to time, it can indicate a duration. For example: Ho lavorato per otto ore (I worked for eight hours).
- Cause or reason: Sometimes, it is used to explain the reason behind an emotion or a condition. For example: Sono triste per la notizia (I am sad about the news).
- Personal perspective or opinion:. It can indicate the point of view of someone. For example: Per me sarebbe meglio la pizza (For me, pizza would be better).
“Da” vs “Per”: Comparison
Let’s now see why these two prepositions get often confused and, more importantly, let’s see how to actually use them.
Have a look at the examples below:
Sto aspettando da 10 minuti.
I have been waiting for 10 minutes.
Ho aspettato per 10 minuti.
I waited for 10 minutes.
We use “da” with the present tense, to express something that we started in the past and are still doing in the present (I am still waiting).
We use “per” with the past tense, meaning we did something in the past for a period of time but now, in the present, we are no longer doing it (now I am not waiting anymore).
The same distinction occurs with the future tense:
Quando arriverai avrò iniziato a lavorare da 3 ore.
When you arrive I will have been working for 3 hours.
Quando arriverai avrò lavorato per 3 ore.
When you arrive I will have worked for 3 hours.
In the first example, I will still be working when you will arrive and, precisely, I will have worked for three hours already. So, for instance, I know that you are arriving at 17 and I will start working at 14.
In the second example, I will start working at 14 and finish at 17, but you will arrive at 18, and I will already have finished to work.
“Da” and “Per” with Expressions of Time
In English, da and per can be translated as since and how long.
As mentioned before, da is always used to describe an action that started in the past and is continuing up to the time of speaking.
Da quanto tempo sei sposato?
For how long have you been married? (Since how much time have you been married?)
Da quando vivi in Italia?
Since when have you been living in Italy?
To answer this, you will simply need to use the preposition da followed by the amount of time or the moment of the past when the action has started:
Sono sposato da 3 anni.
I have been married for 3 years.
Vivo in Italia dal 2021.
I have been living in Italy since 2021.
Opposingly, per is used to talk about things that are no longer happening in the present.
Per quanto tempo hai studiato italiano?
For how long have you been studying Italian?
Ho studiato Italiano per 2 anni quando ero piccolo.
I studied Italian for 2 years when I was a child.
Ready to Practice
Now that you have a clear picture of the main differences between “per” and “da” I bet you are looking forward to practice them during your Italian conversations.
Make sure you know when something has happened, since these two prepositions rely on the time when actions took place. Beside this, have fun and enjoy your Italian learning experience!
