di sopra
/di ˈso.pra/word by word
The English phrase 'upstairs' can be translated into Italian as di sopra.
di sopra is an adverb used to indicate a location up the stairs or on a higher floor or level.
Meaning: up the stairs, on or to a higher floor or level (adv)
Which one should you use?
While di sopra is a common adverbial phrase, al piano di sopra is used when specifically referring to the floor above in a building.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase al piano di sopra is used to specify the floor above.
How do you pronounce it?
It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While di sopra means 'upstairs', the opposite is di sotto. In Italian, these two terms can describe social status, where di sotto can refer to the servants' quarters or a lower social class.
- The word sopra in di sopra shares a common ancestor with the English word 'super', which is used as a prefix in many words to mean 'above' or 'over'.
- In many parts of Italy, if you ask where someone is and they respond di sopra, they might not just mean the next floor, but could imply they are in an attic or a loft space.
Examples in context
- Tom è di sopra.Tom is upstairs.This sentence is useful for stating someone's location using di sopra.Tatoeba #2190978 by Guybrush88, translation #1868146 by CK
- Non era di sopra.It wasn't upstairs.This sentence is useful for using di sopra in a negative statement.Tatoeba #4073681 by Guybrush88, translation #2248938 by CK
- È di sopra, vero?He's upstairs, isn't he?This sentence is useful for asking a confirmation question with di sopra.Tatoeba #8694513 by Guybrush88, translation #8526668 by CH
- Le sale espositive si trovano al piano superiore.The exhibition halls are located upstairs.
- Vieni su, la festa è in corso!Come upstairs, the party's happening!
- 203 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are in the living room of their apartment.
- AlessandroDove sono le chiavi?Where are the keys?
- GiuliaForse sono di sopra.Maybe they are upstairs.
- AlessandroVado a controllare di sopra.I am going to check upstairs.
- GiuliaSì, guarda in camera tua.Yes, look in your room.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “upstairs” translations and entries di sopra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (di, sopra) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, di sopra, sopra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
