Place words come before the noun: sopra (on, above), sotto (under), dietro (behind), davanti a (in front of), accanto a (next to). Su (on) and the a of accanto a merge with the article: sul tavolo, accanto al letto.
Examples
- Le chiavi sono sul tavolo.
- The keys are on the table.
- Il gatto è sotto il letto.
- The cat is under the bed.
- La lampada è accanto al divano.
- The lamp is next to the sofa.
The mistake to avoid
"Su il tavolo" is wrong: su + il is always sul.
Where this fits in
Home & neighbourhood, Italian A1: Describe your home and its rooms, say where things are, and talk about the places near where you live.