AboutLauren O' Hagan Expertise Although not my mother tongue, I have spoken Italian fluently for a little less than 10 years so I am very confident to answer any questions about the Italian language. I also speak in Roman Dialect if there are any questions relating to this.
Experience I received an A* in my GCSE which ranked me as the top Italian student in the country. I have translated 2 famous football websites on request of their representatives as well as Federico Moccia's Tre Metri Sopra Il Cielo and 2 of Francesco Totti's book for personal reference
Education/Credentials As previously mentioned, I obtained the highest grade possible in GCSE for Italian
Awards and Honors Letter of recognition from the Italian consulate
Past/Present Clients Luciano Spalletti
Philippe Mexes
Expert: Lauren O' Hagan Date: 7/14/2008 Subject: prepositions
Question Dear Lauren,
Would you please tell me if the following sentence is correct:
Io bevo il caffe al ristorante. - I drink coffee at the restaurant. or I drink coffee in the restaurant.
The context of this statement is that I am responding to the following question: "Where do you drink your coffee?" (Please note that I do not work at this restaurant)
I am wondering if the preposition "in" could also be used, or should be used, in this sentence:
"Io bevo il caffe nel ristorante." - I drink coffee in the restaurant. or I drink coffee at the restaurant.
Would you please also tell me if my translations are correct.
Thank you for your patience with all my "preposition" questions. I am having a hard time with this topic, but am starting to understand thanks to your help.
Sincerely,
Rich
Answer Hi Rich,
I would say that if the question is 'Where do you drink your coffee?' the correct translation would be 'I drink coffee at the restaurant' as in English, you are more likely to say this.
It is possible that 'nel' could be used to but I think that it would come across to the listener that you are being too direct, stating the obvious that it is inside a restaurant that you drink it.
Yes, your translations are correct for the sentences. I know that 'prepositions' can be an easy topic but my advice would be that you should just go with your instinct as 9 times out of 10, the translation or preposition can be interchangeable to a certain extent
