“Per” in Italian
The Italian preposition per can be translated into English in many different ways and can be used in a variety of grammatical constructions.
The most common way we can translate it is “per”, but its uses extend beyond this simple translation. It can indicate purpose or intention, destinations, durations, as well as causality and personal opinions.
Each of these uses demonstrates how flexible and useful “per” is to provide nuances that are essential for clear and effective communication in Italian.
How to use “per” in Italian
Purpose or Intention
Per is often used to indicate the intended purpose of an action or the reason why something is done. This can relate to the purpose of an object or an action meant to benefit someone or something.
Questi documenti sono per il direttore.
These papers are for the director.
L’ho fatto per te.
I did it for you.
For instance, in these sentences “per” indicates the recipient of the papers or the gesture. This use helps clarify the aim or goal behind actions and decisions.
Destination
In the context of movement, per specifies the final point towards which someone or something is headed.
Questo è il volo per Londra.
This is the flight to London.
Pensavo di aver preso un bus per Milano ma era per Torino!
I thought I got on a bus to Milan, but it was to Turin!
Londra and Milano are the destinations of the planned journeys. This usage is crucial for discussing travel plans and directions.
At the same time, when used with verbs of movement, per means through.
Siamo passati per Milano.
We went through Milan.
I ladri sono entrati per la porta posteriore.
The thieves came in through the backdoor.
Duration
Per is used to express for how long an activity has gone on in the past. Of course, this use requires a correct mastering of expressions of time.
Ho lavorato per 10 ore ieri.
I worked for 10 hours yesterday.
Quando arriverai, avrò già cucinato per un’ora.
When you will arrive, I will have cooked for one hour already.
It is important to underline that, for this use, the past tense – either the actual past or the past in the future with the future perfect – is mandatory, because per is used to express for how long something has been going on, implying it is no longer continuing in the present.
This peculiarity is the main reason why “per” and “da” get often confused. In fact, while “per” is used with the past tense, “da” is used with the present tense, meaning that something is still going on in the present.
Studio giurisprudenza da 2 anni.
I’ve been studying law for two years.
Meaning I started two years ago and I am still studying.
Cause or Reason
This usage of per explains the motivation behind an emotion, action, or event. It often introduces a causal relationship, providing the context for responses.
Sono triste per la notizia.
I am sad because of the news.
Here, “per” links the sadness directly to the news received, functioning as a connector.
Personal Perspective or Opinion
Per can also be used to express a personal preference, opinion, or perspective. It serves as a way to specify the preference of an individual regarding a matter.
Example:
Per me sarebbe meglio la pizza.
For me, pizza would be better
It indicates that, from the speaker’s personal viewpoint, pizza is a preferred choice.
Means
Per can be used to talk about how something is transported or communicated. In this case, it is similar to the English by.
For example:
Te l’ho mandato per posta.
I sent it by post.
“Per” Everything!
Yes, per can be used almost for everything. This shows how important it is for you to master its uses and meanings if you want to learn Italian.
Start now practicing this tiny but enormously useful word per parlare (to speak) per ore (for hours) per telefono o per messaggio (by phone or by message) with whoever you want!
Learn how to use per vs da in Italian.
