dietro
/ˈdjɛ.tro/
The English phrase 'behind' is translated into Italian as dietro.
dietro is used as a preposition to mean 'at the back of'. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'at the back part' or 'in the rear'.
Meaning: at the back of (prep)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use dietro as a preposition followed by a pronoun, you must use the construction dietro di plus the pronoun. For example, the standard way to say 'behind me' is dietro di me.
How do you pronounce it?
dietro is pronounced /ˈdjɛ.tro/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- When describing the back of a person's head, Italians often use the noun nuca instead of using dietro with a body part.
- The Latin origin of dietro involves retrō, which is the same root found in the English word 'retrograde'.
- In Italian, the expression rimanere dietro can be used figuratively to describe someone who is lagging behind in their studies or professional development.
Examples in context
- È dietro di me.He's behind me.This sentence is useful for saying 'behind me' using dietro.Tatoeba #3275849 by Guybrush88, translation #8478463 by CH
- È dietro di te.He's behind you.This sentence is useful for saying 'behind you' using dietro.Tatoeba #8492507 by Guybrush88, translation #8480091 by CH
- È dietro di lei.He's behind her.This sentence is useful for saying 'behind her' using dietro.Tatoeba #8492506 by Guybrush88, translation #8480090 by CH
- La chiesa si trova dietro il palazzo.The church is located behind the building.
- Il parco si trova alle spalle del museo.The park is located behind the museum.
- La firma è apposta nella pagina retrostante.The signature is placed on the page behind.
- L'auto si è parcheggiata dietro a casa mia.The car parked behind my house.
- Mi sono nascosto dietro di te durante il gioco.I hid behind you during the game.
- 542 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are looking for a lost ball in the garden.
- MartinaMatteo, dove si trova la palla?Matteo, where is the ball?
- MatteoGuarda dietro l'albero.Look behind the tree.
- MartinaSì, è proprio dietro l'albero!Yes, it is right behind the tree!
- MatteoChe fortuna che l'hai vista.How lucky that you saw it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “behind” translations and entries dietro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dietro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
