The Italian preposition "su" is one of the most fundamental words in the Italian language, corresponding to the English "on" in most contexts. This lesson explores the various uses and nuances of "su" through practical examples, cultural insights, and literary citations. For a complete index of all lessons in this course, please visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Definition: The Italian word "su" is a preposition that primarily means "on" or "upon" in English. It indicates position on a surface, direction upward, or metaphorical relationships similar to English "on" or "about."
FAQ Schema Question: What does "su" mean in Italian? Answer: "Su" primarily means "on" in Italian. It indicates position on top of something, direction upward, or can mean "about" when discussing topics. It combines with definite articles to form sul, sulla, sullo, sui, sugli, sulle.
How this topic word will be used: Throughout this lesson, you will encounter "su" in various contexts - physical placement, temporal expressions, idiomatic uses, and combined forms with articles. Each example demonstrates authentic Italian usage to help you master this essential preposition.
Educational Schema Subject: Italian Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: The preposition "su" (on) Type: Self-study lesson with examples, grammar explanations, and cultural context Duration: 45-60 minutes self-paced study
Key Takeaways: -
"Su" primarily translates to "on" but has additional meanings -
It contracts with definite articles (sul, sulla, sui, sulle, sullo, sugli) -
Used for physical location, topics of discussion, and approximate numbers -
Essential for everyday Italian communication -
Different from English in some idiomatic expressions
18.1 Il the libro book è is sul on-the tavolo table della of-the cucina kitchen
18.2 Maria Maria ha has messo put i the fiori flowers sulla on-the finestra window
18.3 Camminiamo we-walk su on questa this strada road antica ancient
18.4 Il the gatto cat dorme sleeps sempre always sul on-the divano sofa
18.5 Ho I-have letto read un a articolo article interessante interesting su on Dante Dante
18.6 Metti put la the borsa bag sulla on-the sedia chair per for favore favor
18.7 I the bambini children giocano play sui on-the gradini steps della of-the chiesa church
18.8 Abbiamo we-have discusso discussed a at lungo length sulla on-the politica politics italiana Italian
18.9 L' the uccello bird si itself è has posato perched sul on-the ramo branch più most alto high
18.10 Puoi you-can contare count su on di of me me sempre always
18.11 Il the prezzo price è is sui on-the venti twenty euro euros
18.12 La the neve snow cade falls dolcemente gently sulle on-the montagne mountains
18.13 Hanno they-have costruito built una a casa house sulla on-the collina hill
18.14 Il the professore professor parla speaks sempre always su on argomenti topics difficili difficult
18.15 Sali go-up su on e and vedrai you-will-see il the panorama view magnifico magnificent
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18.1 Il libro è sul tavolo della cucina. The book is on the kitchen table.
18.2 Maria ha messo i fiori sulla finestra. Maria has put the flowers on the window.
18.3 Camminiamo su questa strada antica. We walk on this ancient road.
18.4 Il gatto dorme sempre sul divano. The cat always sleeps on the sofa.
18.5 Ho letto un articolo interessante su Dante. I read an interesting article about Dante.
18.6 Metti la borsa sulla sedia per favore. Put the bag on the chair please.
18.7 I bambini giocano sui gradini della chiesa. The children play on the church steps.
18.8 Abbiamo discusso a lungo sulla politica italiana. We discussed Italian politics at length.
18.9 L'uccello si è posato sul ramo più alto. The bird perched on the highest branch.
18.10 Puoi contare su di me sempre. You can always count on me.
18.11 Il prezzo è sui venti euro. The price is around twenty euros.
18.12 La neve cade dolcemente sulle montagne. The snow falls gently on the mountains.
18.13 Hanno costruito una casa sulla collina. They built a house on the hill.
18.14 Il professore parla sempre su argomenti difficili. The professor always speaks about difficult topics.
18.15 Sali su e vedrai il panorama magnifico. Come up and you'll see the magnificent view.
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18.1 Il libro è sul tavolo della cucina.
18.2 Maria ha messo i fiori sulla finestra.
18.3 Camminiamo su questa strada antica.
18.4 Il gatto dorme sempre sul divano.
18.5 Ho letto un articolo interessante su Dante.
18.6 Metti la borsa sulla sedia per favore.
18.7 I bambini giocano sui gradini della chiesa.
18.8 Abbiamo discusso a lungo sulla politica italiana.
18.9 L'uccello si è posato sul ramo più alto.
18.10 Puoi contare su di me sempre.
18.11 Il prezzo è sui venti euro.
18.12 La neve cade dolcemente sulle montagne.
18.13 Hanno costruito una casa sulla collina.
18.14 Il professore parla sempre su argomenti difficili.
18.15 Sali su e vedrai il panorama magnifico.
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Grammar Rules for "Su"
The Italian preposition "su" serves multiple grammatical functions that English speakers must understand to use it correctly.
1. Basic Usage "Su" primarily means "on" indicating position on top of something. Unlike English, Italian requires the combination of "su" with definite articles in most cases.
2. Contractions with Definite Articles When "su" meets definite articles, they contract: -
su + il = sul (on the - masculine singular) -
su + la = sulla (on the - feminine singular) -
su + lo = sullo (on the - masculine singular before s+consonant, z, etc.) -
su + i = sui (on the - masculine plural) -
su + le = sulle (on the - feminine plural) -
su + gli = sugli (on the - masculine plural before vowels, s+consonant, z)
3. Multiple Meanings Beyond "on," "su" can mean: -
about/concerning: un libro su Roma (a book about Rome) -
approximately: costa sui cinquanta euro (it costs around fifty euros) -
upward direction: guarda su (look up)
4. Common Mistakes -
Forgetting to contract with articles: "su il tavolo" instead of "sul tavolo" -
Using "su" where Italian uses different prepositions: "on TV" is "alla televisione" not "sulla televisione" -
Confusing "su" with "sopra" (above/over) which indicates position without contact -
Using "su di" with pronouns incorrectly: remember "su di me/te/lui/lei" etc.
5. Comparison with English While English "on" is straightforward, Italian "su" requires: -
Article agreement and contraction -
Different usage in time expressions -
Special forms with pronouns (su di + pronoun) -
Idiomatic differences (contare su = count on)
6. Step-by-Step Guide for Using "Su" Step 1: Identify if you need simple "su" or contracted form Step 2: Check the gender and number of the following noun Step 3: Apply the correct contraction if a definite article follows Step 4: For pronouns, remember to use "su di" + pronoun Step 5: Consider if the context requires "su" or another preposition
Grammatical Summary "Su" is an invariable preposition that: -
Contracts with all definite articles -
Requires "di" before personal pronouns -
Can indicate location, topic, or approximation -
Forms part of many idiomatic expressions -
Sometimes corresponds to English "up" in directional uses
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Cultural Context for English Speakers Learning Italian
The preposition "su" reflects important aspects of Italian culture and communication styles. Italians often use "su" in contexts where English speakers might use different prepositions, revealing different conceptual mappings between the languages.
In Italian culture, the expression "contare su qualcuno" (to count on someone) carries deep significance, reflecting the importance of personal relationships and trust in Italian society. This differs from more individualistic cultures where self-reliance might be more emphasized.
The use of "su" for approximations (sui trent'anni - around thirty years old) demonstrates the Italian tendency toward less precise, more flexible communication in casual contexts. This contrasts with cultures that value exact precision in all circumstances.
Italian media and literature frequently use "su" in titles and headings differently than English. Where English might say "a book on Italy," Italian says "un libro sull'Italia," maintaining the article even in titles, showing the language's preference for grammatical completeness.
The physical use of "su" (on surfaces) connects to Italian architecture and lifestyle. With historic buildings featuring terraces, balconies, and rooftop spaces, expressions using "su" for elevated positions are common in daily life: "sul terrazzo" (on the terrace), "sui tetti" (on the roofs).
Understanding "su" also helps in navigating Italian cities, where directions often reference positions "sulla piazza" (on the square) or "sulla via principale" (on the main street), reflecting the centrality of public spaces in Italian urban life.
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From "Il Gattopardo" by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (1958)
"Il sole di maggio era forte su tutto il paesaggio siciliano. Sulla terrazza del palazzo, il Principe meditava sul destino della sua famiglia, mentre le campane suonavano sui tetti di Donnafugata."
Il the sole sun di of maggio May era was forte strong su on tutto all il the paesaggio landscape siciliano Sicilian. Sulla on-the terrazza terrace del of-the palazzo palace, il the Principe Prince meditava meditated sul on-the destino destiny della of-the sua his famiglia family, mentre while le the campane bells suonavano rang sui on-the tetti roofs di of Donnafugata Donnafugata.
"Il sole di maggio era forte su tutto il paesaggio siciliano. Sulla terrazza del palazzo, il Principe meditava sul destino della sua famiglia, mentre le campane suonavano sui tetti di Donnafugata."
The May sun was strong on all the Sicilian landscape. On the palace terrace, the Prince meditated on his family's destiny, while the bells rang over the roofs of Donnafugata.
Il sole di maggio era forte su tutto il paesaggio siciliano. Sulla terrazza del palazzo, il Principe meditava sul destino della sua famiglia, mentre le campane suonavano sui tetti di Donnafugata.
This passage from Lampedusa's masterpiece demonstrates four different uses of "su": -
"su tutto il paesaggio" - physical position (on all the landscape) -
"sulla terrazza" - contracted form with feminine article (on the terrace) -
"sul destino" - abstract use meaning "about/concerning" (on/about destiny) -
"sui tetti" - contracted plural form indicating position (on the roofs)
The literary style shows how "su" creates layers of meaning - the physical weight of the sun parallels the metaphorical weight of thoughts about destiny. The preposition links concrete and abstract elements, typical of Lampedusa's rich prose style.
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18.16 Stamattina this-morning siamo we-are saliti gone-up sul on-the treno train delle of-the otto eight per for Venezia Venice
18.17 Il the nostro our albergo hotel si itself trova finds sulla on-the Piazza Square San Saint Marco Mark
18.18 Abbiamo we-have camminato walked sui on-the ponti bridges antichi ancient della of-the città city lagunare lagoon
18.19 La the guida guide ci us ha has raccontato told storie stories affascinanti fascinating sulla on-the Repubblica Republic Serenissima Most-Serene
18.20 Sul on-the vaporetto water-bus abbiamo we-have incontrato met turisti tourists da from tutto all il the mondo world
18.21 Le the maschere masks di of Carnevale Carnival erano were esposte displayed su on ogni every bancarella stall
18.22 Abbiamo we-have pranzato lunched sulla on-the terrazza terrace con with vista view sul on-the Canal Canal Grande Grand
18.23 I the piccioni pigeons volavano flew su on e and giù down per through la the piazza square
18.24 Ho I-have comprato bought un a libro book antico ancient sulla on-the storia history di of Venezia Venice
18.25 Le the gondole gondolas scivolavano glided silenziose silent sull' on-the acqua water verde green
18.26 Al at-the tramonto sunset siamo we-are saliti gone-up sul on-the campanile bell-tower di of San Saint Marco Mark
18.27 I the gabbiani seagulls gridavano cried sulle on-the onde waves della of-the laguna lagoon
18.28 Abbiamo we-have cenato dined in in un a ristorante restaurant costruito built su on palafitte stilts
18.29 La the luna moon piena full brillava shone sui on-the tetti roofs rossi red della of-the città city
18.30 Domani tomorrow partiremo we-will-leave sul on-the treno train delle of-the dieci ten con with ricordi memories indimenticabili unforgettable
18.16 Stamattina siamo saliti sul treno delle otto per Venezia. This morning we got on the eight o'clock train for Venice.
18.17 Il nostro albergo si trova sulla Piazza San Marco. Our hotel is located on St. Mark's Square.
18.18 Abbiamo camminato sui ponti antichi della città lagunare. We walked on the ancient bridges of the lagoon city.
18.19 La guida ci ha raccontato storie affascinanti sulla Repubblica Serenissima. The guide told us fascinating stories about the Most Serene Republic.
18.20 Sul vaporetto abbiamo incontrato turisti da tutto il mondo. On the water bus we met tourists from all over the world.
18.21 Le maschere di Carnevale erano esposte su ogni bancarella. Carnival masks were displayed on every stall.
18.22 Abbiamo pranzato sulla terrazza con vista sul Canal Grande. We had lunch on the terrace with a view of the Grand Canal.
18.23 I piccioni volavano su e giù per la piazza. The pigeons flew up and down through the square.
18.24 Ho comprato un libro antico sulla storia di Venezia. I bought an ancient book about the history of Venice.
18.25 Le gondole scivolavano silenziose sull'acqua verde. The gondolas glided silently on the green water.
18.26 Al tramonto siamo saliti sul campanile di San Marco. At sunset we climbed up St. Mark's bell tower.
18.27 I gabbiani gridavano sulle onde della laguna. The seagulls cried over the lagoon waves.
18.28 Abbiamo cenato in un ristorante costruito su palafitte. We dined in a restaurant built on stilts.
18.29 La luna piena brillava sui tetti rossi della città. The full moon shone on the red roofs of the city.
18.30 Domani partiremo sul treno delle dieci con ricordi indimenticabili. Tomorrow we'll leave on the ten o'clock train with unforgettable memories.
18.16 Stamattina siamo saliti sul treno delle otto per Venezia.
18.17 Il nostro albergo si trova sulla Piazza San Marco.
18.18 Abbiamo camminato sui ponti antichi della città lagunare.
18.19 La guida ci ha raccontato storie affascinanti sulla Repubblica Serenissima.
18.20 Sul vaporetto abbiamo incontrato turisti da tutto il mondo.
18.21 Le maschere di Carnevale erano esposte su ogni bancarella.
18.22 Abbiamo pranzato sulla terrazza con vista sul Canal Grande.
18.23 I piccioni volavano su e giù per la piazza.
18.24 Ho comprato un libro antico sulla storia di Venezia.
18.25 Le gondole scivolavano silenziose sull'acqua verde.
18.26 Al tramonto siamo saliti sul campanile di San Marco.
18.27 I gabbiani gridavano sulle onde della laguna.
18.28 Abbiamo cenato in un ristorante costruito su palafitte.
18.29 La luna piena brillava sui tetti rossi della città.
18.30 Domani partiremo sul treno delle dieci con ricordi indimenticabili.
Using "Su" in Travel Contexts
Travel narratives in Italian frequently employ "su" in specific ways that English speakers should master:
1. Transportation "Salire su" (to get on) is the standard verb for boarding transportation: -
salire sul treno (get on the train) -
salire sul vaporetto (get on the water bus) -
salire sull'autobus (get on the bus)
2. Location Descriptions Italian travel writing uses "su" for positioning: -
sulla piazza (on the square) - where English might say "in the square" -
sul canale (on the canal) -
sulla terrazza (on the terrace)
3. Views and Perspectives "Vista su" (view of) uses "su" where English uses "of": -
vista sul mare (view of the sea) -
vista sulla città (view of the city)
4. Directional Movement "Su e giù" (up and down) is a fixed expression: -
volare su e giù (fly up and down) -
camminare su e giù (walk up and down)
5. Historical and Cultural References When discussing topics in travel contexts: -
un libro sulla storia (a book about history) -
informazioni sui monumenti (information about monuments)
Common Travel Expressions with "Su" -
essere sulla strada (to be on the road) -
sulla mappa (on the map) -
sui depliant turistici (in tourist brochures) -
sul percorso (on the route) -
sulla guida (in the guidebook)
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