Welcome to Lesson 14 of the Latinum Institute's Italian course for English speakers. In this lesson, we will explore the Italian preposition "per," which most commonly translates to the English word "for." Understanding how to use "per" correctly is essential for communicating purpose, duration, destination, and many other concepts in Italian.
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The word "per" is one of the most versatile prepositions in Italian. Like its English counterpart "for," it can express multiple meanings including purpose (I bought this for you), duration (I waited for hours), exchange (I paid €20 for the book), and movement through space (I walked for miles). This lesson will demonstrate these various uses through carefully constructed examples that will help you master this essential word.
FAQ Schema Question: What does "per" mean in Italian? Answer: "Per" is an Italian preposition that primarily means "for" in English. It can express purpose (per te - for you), duration (per ore - for hours), reason (per questo - for this reason), exchange (per venti euro - for twenty euros), and movement through space (per la strada - through/along the street).
Educational Schema Subject: Italian Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Italian Preposition "per" (for) Language of Instruction: English Target Audience: English speakers learning Italian Lesson Type: Self-study reading comprehension with grammar explanation
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"Per" is the most common Italian translation of English "for" -
It expresses purpose, duration, exchange, reason, and movement -
Unlike English, "per" can also mean "through" or "by means of" -
It combines with articles to form contractions (per + il = pel, though modern Italian prefers "per il") -
Essential for expressing many everyday concepts in Italian
14.1 Ho I-have comprato bought questo this libro book per for te you
14.2 Maria Maria studia studies per for diventare to-become medico doctor
14.3 Partiamo We-leave domani tomorrow per for Roma Rome
14.4 Ho I-have aspettato waited per for tre three ore hours
14.5 Questo This regalo gift è is per for mia my madre mother
14.6 Lavoro I-work per for una a grande large azienda company
14.7 Camminiamo We-walk per through il the parco park ogni every mattina morning
14.8 Ti To-you ringrazio I-thank per for il the tuo your aiuto help
14.9 Studio I-study italiano Italian per for piacere pleasure
14.10 Pago I-pay venti twenty euro euros per for questa this camicia shirt
14.11 Per For favore favor puoi can-you aiutarmi help-me
14.12 Siamo We-are qui here per for imparare to-learn
14.13 Il The treno train parte leaves per for Milano Milan alle at-the otto eight
14.14 Non Not ho I-have tempo time per for questo this
14.15 Grazie Thanks per for essere being venuto come
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14.1 Ho comprato questo libro per te. I bought this book for you.
14.2 Maria studia per diventare medico. Maria studies to become a doctor.
14.3 Partiamo domani per Roma. We leave tomorrow for Rome.
14.4 Ho aspettato per tre ore. I waited for three hours.
14.5 Questo regalo è per mia madre. This gift is for my mother.
14.6 Lavoro per una grande azienda. I work for a large company.
14.7 Camminiamo per il parco ogni mattina. We walk through the park every morning.
14.8 Ti ringrazio per il tuo aiuto. I thank you for your help.
14.9 Studio italiano per piacere. I study Italian for pleasure.
14.10 Pago venti euro per questa camicia. I pay twenty euros for this shirt.
14.11 Per favore, puoi aiutarmi? Please, can you help me?
14.12 Siamo qui per imparare. We are here to learn.
14.13 Il treno parte per Milano alle otto. The train leaves for Milan at eight.
14.14 Non ho tempo per questo. I don't have time for this.
14.15 Grazie per essere venuto. Thanks for coming.
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14.1 Ho comprato questo libro per te.
14.2 Maria studia per diventare medico.
14.3 Partiamo domani per Roma.
14.4 Ho aspettato per tre ore.
14.5 Questo regalo è per mia madre.
14.6 Lavoro per una grande azienda.
14.7 Camminiamo per il parco ogni mattina.
14.8 Ti ringrazio per il tuo aiuto.
14.9 Studio italiano per piacere.
14.10 Pago venti euro per questa camicia.
14.11 Per favore, puoi aiutarmi?
14.12 Siamo qui per imparare.
14.13 Il treno parte per Milano alle otto.
14.14 Non ho tempo per questo.
14.15 Grazie per essere venuto.
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The Italian preposition "per" is one of the most frequently used words in the language. Here are its primary uses:
1. Purpose or Goal When expressing the purpose of an action, "per" often translates as "to" or "in order to" in English: -
Studio per imparare (I study to learn) -
Lavoro per vivere (I work to live)
2. Duration of Time "Per" indicates how long something lasts: -
Ho studiato per due ore (I studied for two hours) -
Resterò qui per una settimana (I'll stay here for a week)
3. Destination or Direction When indicating where someone or something is going: -
Il treno per Roma (The train for/to Rome) -
Parto per l'Italia (I'm leaving for Italy)
4. Exchange or Price When stating what you pay or exchange: -
L'ho comprato per dieci euro (I bought it for ten euros) -
Ti do questo per quello (I'll give you this for that)
5. Beneficiary or Recipient Indicating who benefits from an action: -
Questo è per te (This is for you) -
Lavoro per la mia famiglia (I work for my family)
6. Movement Through Space Unlike English "for," Italian "per" can mean "through" or "along": -
Passeggio per la città (I walk through the city) -
Corro per il parco (I run through the park)
7. Reason or Cause Explaining why something happens: -
Piango per la gioia (I cry for joy) -
È famoso per i suoi libri (He's famous for his books)
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Using "a" instead of "per" for duration -
Wrong: Ho aspettato a tre ore -
Correct: Ho aspettato per tre ore (I waited for three hours) -
Confusing "per" and "da" with time expressions -
"Per" indicates duration: per due anni (for two years) -
"Da" indicates since when: da due anni (for two years/since two years ago) -
Forgetting "per" in purpose expressions -
Wrong: Studio imparare -
Correct: Studio per imparare (I study to learn) -
Using "per" where Italian requires "a" -
Wrong: Vado per casa -
Correct: Vado a casa (I go home) Note: English uses "for" in expressions like "heading for home," but Italian uses "a"
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Identify the meaning you want to express Ask yourself: Am I expressing purpose, duration, destination, exchange, or movement? -
Check if it's a fixed expression Some expressions always use "per": per favore (please), per esempio (for example) -
Consider the verb Some verbs naturally pair with "per": partire per (to leave for), pagare per (to pay for) -
Remember contractions are rare with "per" Unlike other prepositions, "per" rarely contracts with articles in modern Italian
While "per" often translates as "for," there are important differences: -
Italian "per" can mean "through" (per la strada - through the street) -
English uses "to" for purpose where Italian uses "per" (I came to see you = Sono venuto per vederti) -
Time expressions differ: "I've been here for two hours" uses "da" in Italian (Sono qui da due ore) when the action continues
"Per" is an invariable preposition that: -
Never changes form regardless of what follows -
Can be followed by nouns, pronouns, or infinitive verbs -
Rarely contracts with definite articles in modern Italian -
Is essential for expressing multiple concepts that use different words in English
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Understanding "per" in Italian culture goes beyond grammar. Italians use "per" in many daily expressions that reflect cultural values and communication styles.
Per favore (please) is absolutely essential in Italian society, where politeness and formal courtesy remain important even in casual interactions. Unlike some cultures where "please" might be optional in familiar settings, Italians maintain this courtesy even with family and close friends.
The expression per carità (for charity's sake) is a distinctly Italian way of expressing "for goodness sake" or "please don't!" This reflects the historical influence of Catholic culture on everyday language. Similarly, per l'amor di Dio (for the love of God) remains common even among non-religious speakers.
In business contexts, Italians often use per quanto riguarda (as for/regarding) to introduce topics formally. This construction is more elaborate than the English "about" or "regarding" and reflects the Italian preference for more formal business communication.
The phrase per caso (by chance) appears frequently in Italian conversation, as Italians often soften requests or questions by suggesting coincidence: "Hai per caso una penna?" (Do you happen to have a pen?). This indirect approach reflects Italian communication style, which often favors diplomacy over directness.
Understanding regional variations is also important. In some dialects, "per" takes on additional meanings or is pronounced differently. In Venetian dialect, for example, "par" often replaces "per."
The cultural significance of "per" extends to Italian proverbs and sayings. "Chi lascia la via vecchia per la nuova, sa quello che lascia ma non sa quello che trova" (Who leaves the old road for the new knows what they leave but not what they'll find) uses "per" to express exchange and warns against unnecessary change, reflecting Italian respect for tradition.
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From "Se questo è un uomo" (If This Is a Man) by Primo Levi, 1947, Chapter 2:
"Per gli uomini i Lager sono stati una prova. Per chi ha creduto nello spirito, è stato un'esperienza decisiva: hanno veduto che l'uomo può rimanere uomo, e che lo spirito può rimanere vivo." (65 words)
Per For gli the uomini men i the Lager camps sono have stati been una a prova test Per For chi who ha has creduto believed nello in-the spirito spirit è it-has stato been un' an esperienza experience decisiva decisive hanno they-have veduto seen che that l' the uomo man può can rimanere remain uomo man e and che that lo the spirito spirit può can rimanere remain vivo alive
"Per gli uomini i Lager sono stati una prova. Per chi ha creduto nello spirito, è stato un'esperienza decisiva: hanno veduto che l'uomo può rimanere uomo, e che lo spirito può rimanere vivo."
For men the camps were a test. For those who believed in the spirit, it was a decisive experience: they saw that man can remain man, and that the spirit can remain alive.
"Per gli uomini i Lager sono stati una prova. Per chi ha creduto nello spirito, è stato un'esperienza decisiva: hanno veduto che l'uomo può rimanere uomo, e che lo spirito può rimanere vivo."
In this profound passage from Primo Levi's Holocaust memoir, "per" appears three times with different but related meanings. The first two uses ("Per gli uomini" and "Per chi ha creduto") show "per" introducing the affected parties—those for whom the concentration camps served as a test. This construction emphasizes that the experience was not universal but specific to certain groups.
The preposition here carries weight beyond its grammatical function. Levi uses "per" to create a structure of testimony: the camps were a test specifically "for" humanity, and "for" those with faith, they provided decisive proof of human resilience.
The repetition of "per" at the beginning of both sentences creates a parallel structure that emphasizes the universality of the test while distinguishing between general humanity ("gli uomini") and believers ("chi ha creduto"). This stylistic choice reflects Levi's precise, almost scientific approach to describing even the most horrific experiences.
Note how "per" here doesn't simply mean "for" in the sense of benefit, but rather indicates those who underwent the experience—a subtle but important distinction that shows the flexibility of this preposition in literary Italian.
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14.16 Abbiamo We-have prenotato booked un a volo flight per for Venezia Venice per for il the prossimo next mese month
14.17 Il The biglietto ticket per for il the museo museum costa costs quindici fifteen euro euros per per persona person
14.18 Partiamo We-depart per for le the vacanze holidays domani tomorrow mattina morning presto early
14.19 Ho I-have bisogno need di of un a passaporto passport per for viaggiare traveling in in America America
14.20 Cerchiamo We-seek un a hotel hotel per for tre three notti nights nel in-the centro center storico historic
14.21 Questo This autobus bus passa passes per through tutte all le the attrazioni attractions turistiche tourist
14.22 Ho I-have comprato bought una a guida guide per for visitare visiting i the musei museums fiorentini Florentine
14.23 Il The traghetto ferry per for la the Sardegna Sardinia parte departs ogni every sera evening
14.24 Prendiamo We-take il the treno train per for Napoli Naples per to vedere see Pompei Pompeii
14.25 Ho I-have pagato paid duecento two-hundred euro euros per for il the volo flight andata outward e and ritorno return
14.26 Camminiamo We-walk per through le the strade streets medievali medieval di of Siena Siena
14.27 Abbiamo We-have noleggiato rented una a macchina car per for esplorare exploring la the Toscana Tuscany
14.28 Il The tour tour guidato guided dura lasts per for due two ore hours e and mezza half
14.29 Sono I-am qui here per for lavoro work ma but anche also per for turismo tourism
14.30 Grazie Thanks per for averci having-us consigliato recommended questo this ristorante restaurant tipico typical
14.16 Abbiamo prenotato un volo per Venezia per il prossimo mese. We have booked a flight to Venice for next month.
14.17 Il biglietto per il museo costa quindici euro per persona. The museum ticket costs fifteen euros per person.
14.18 Partiamo per le vacanze domani mattina presto. We leave for vacation early tomorrow morning.
14.19 Ho bisogno di un passaporto per viaggiare in America. I need a passport to travel to America.
14.20 Cerchiamo un hotel per tre notti nel centro storico. We're looking for a hotel for three nights in the historic center.
14.21 Questo autobus passa per tutte le attrazioni turistiche. This bus passes through all the tourist attractions.
14.22 Ho comprato una guida per visitare i musei fiorentini. I bought a guide for visiting the Florentine museums.
14.23 Il traghetto per la Sardegna parte ogni sera. The ferry to Sardinia departs every evening.
14.24 Prendiamo il treno per Napoli per vedere Pompei. We're taking the train to Naples to see Pompeii.
14.25 Ho pagato duecento euro per il volo andata e ritorno. I paid two hundred euros for the round-trip flight.
14.26 Camminiamo per le strade medievali di Siena. We walk through the medieval streets of Siena.
14.27 Abbiamo noleggiato una macchina per esplorare la Toscana. We rented a car to explore Tuscany.
14.28 Il tour guidato dura per due ore e mezza. The guided tour lasts for two and a half hours.
14.29 Sono qui per lavoro ma anche per turismo. I'm here for work but also for tourism.
14.30 Grazie per averci consigliato questo ristorante tipico. Thanks for recommending this typical restaurant to us.
14.16 Abbiamo prenotato un volo per Venezia per il prossimo mese.
14.17 Il biglietto per il museo costa quindici euro per persona.
14.18 Partiamo per le vacanze domani mattina presto.
14.19 Ho bisogno di un passaporto per viaggiare in America.
14.20 Cerchiamo un hotel per tre notti nel centro storico.
14.21 Questo autobus passa per tutte le attrazioni turistiche.
14.22 Ho comprato una guida per visitare i musei fiorentini.
14.23 Il traghetto per la Sardegna parte ogni sera.
14.24 Prendiamo il treno per Napoli per vedere Pompei.
14.25 Ho pagato duecento euro per il volo andata e ritorno.
14.26 Camminiamo per le strade medievali di Siena.
14.27 Abbiamo noleggiato una macchina per esplorare la Toscana.
14.28 Il tour guidato dura per due ore e mezza.
14.29 Sono qui per lavoro ma anche per turismo.
14.30 Grazie per averci consigliato questo ristorante tipico.
1. Destination and Transportation In travel contexts, "per" frequently indicates destination: -
Un biglietto per Roma (A ticket to Rome) -
Il volo per Parigi (The flight to Paris) -
Partire per l'Italia (To leave for Italy)
Note that while English might use "to" in these contexts, Italian consistently uses "per" when expressing the destination of a journey.
2. Duration in Travel When booking accommodations or planning stays: -
Una camera per due notti (A room for two nights) -
Resto per una settimana (I'm staying for a week)
3. Purpose of Travel "Per" expresses why you're traveling: -
Viaggio per affari (I travel for business) -
Sono qui per turismo (I'm here for tourism) -
Vengo per la conferenza (I'm coming for the conference)
4. Cost Per Unit In tourism, "per" often indicates unit pricing: -
50 euro per persona (50 euros per person) -
100 euro per notte (100 euros per night) -
30 euro per giorno (30 euros per day)
5. Movement Through Locations "Per" can indicate the route taken: -
Passare per il centro (To pass through the center) -
Andare per la costa (To go along the coast)
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per favore (please) - essential for polite travel interactions -
per caso (by chance) - useful when asking for help -
per fortuna (fortunately) - expressing relief -
per esempio (for example) - explaining preferences -
per quanto tempo? (for how long?) - asking about duration -
per quando? (for when?) - making reservations
English speakers often struggle with these distinctions: -
English: "I'm going to Italy for vacation" -
Italian: "Vado in Italia per le vacanze" (Note: destination uses "in" but purpose uses "per") -
English: "A ticket to Rome" -
Italian: "Un biglietto per Roma" (Italian uses "per" where English uses "to") -
English: "I've been here for three days" -
Italian: "Sono qui da tre giorni" (Ongoing duration uses "da" not "per")
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Using "a" instead of "per" for transportation destinations -
Wrong: Un treno a Milano -
Correct: Un treno per Milano -
Forgetting "per" in duration expressions -
Wrong: Resto due settimane -
Correct: Resto per due settimane -
Confusing "per" and "da" with time -
Use "per" for intended duration: Vengo per tre giorni -
Use "da" for elapsed time: Sono qui da tre giorni
When combining "per" with articles in travel contexts, remember: -
per + il = per il (rarely contracts to "pel" in modern Italian) -
per + la = per la -
per + lo = per lo -
per + l' = per l' -
per + i = per i -
per + gli = per gli -
per + le = per le
This lack of contraction makes "per" easier to use than prepositions like "di" or "a" which regularly contract with articles.
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