dalle
Lemma: dalle
Translation: from the; by the; since the (preposition)
Etymology: The word 'dalle' is a contraction of the preposition 'da' (from, by) and the feminine plural definite article 'le' (the). 'Da' derives from Latin 'de ab' (away from), while 'le' comes from Latin 'illae' (those). This contraction is mandatory in standard Italian when the preposition precedes a feminine plural noun.
Example Usage
Vengo dalle montagne.
I come from the mountains.
Il libro è stato scritto dalle autrici famose.
The book was written by the famous (female) authors.
Dalle nove alle cinque lavoro in ufficio.
From nine to five I work in the office.
Mi sono allontanato dalle cattive abitudini.
I've moved away from bad habits.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dalle' as 'da + le' = 'from the' (feminine plural)
- Remember that 'dalle' relates to feminine plural nouns, like 'dalle montagne' (from the mountains)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a fundamental grammatical element in Italian that appears in everyday speech and writing. Understanding contractions of prepositions with articles is essential for basic Italian fluency.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Dalle' (da + le) means 'from the' while 'delle' (di + le) means 'of the' for feminine plural nouns.
Notes: Both are contractions with the feminine plural article 'le', but with different prepositions.
Mnemonic: 'Dalle' starts with 'da' (from), while 'delle' starts with 'di' (of).
Explanation: 'Dalle' (da + le) means 'from the' while 'alle' (a + le) means 'to the' for feminine plural nouns.
Confused word:
Vado alle stazioni principali.
I go to the main stations.
Notes: These prepositions often work as opposites in describing movement or direction.
Mnemonic: 'Dalle' indicates origin (from), while 'alle' indicates destination (to).