Learn Hardcore Italian: La sedia è vicino al tavolo.

Because "sedia" is a feminine Italian noun, so it requires the feminine article "la". In Italian, nouns that end with -a are typically feminine, which is why you see la sedia (the chair).

Why do we use "è" instead of "sta" for indicating location?

"È" (from "essere") can describe locations or states in a more neutral, permanent, or matter-of-fact way. Although "stare" can sometimes be used to indicate location, it more often emphasizes a temporary condition or a progressive action. Hence, "La sedia è vicino al tavolo" sounds more natural when simply stating a fact about location.

Why do we say "vicino al tavolo" and not "vicino il tavolo"?

The Italian preposition for "near" is "vicino a". When adding the masculine article "il" for "tavolo," "a + il" becomes "al". Therefore, "vicino a il tavolo" is contracted to "vicino al tavolo."

Are there other ways to say "near" in Italian?

Yes! You could use synonyms like "accanto a" (next to) or "a fianco a" (beside). Though similar in meaning, each phrase might carry a slightly different nuance regarding how close or in what position one item is relative to another.