Complex Spatial Prepositions
When describing precise locations in three-dimensional space—like when you are flying a drone (il drone)—Italian often uses complex prepositions starting with al di. These expressions are formed by combining al di with a spatial adverb to give exact spatial relationships.
Linking to a Reference Point
Whenever you state what an object is above, below, or beyond, you must follow the al di... expression with the preposition di. This di will combine with the definite article of the following noun to form an articulated preposition (such as del, della, or degli).
Above and Below
To describe altitude or vertical position, use al di sopra (above) and al di sotto (below). Notice how the following preposition di combines with the definite article of the reference point.
| I was piloting my drone above the trees. | Stavo pilotando il mio drone al di sopra degli alberi. |
| I was piloting the drone below the clouds, beyond the forest. | Stavo pilotando il drone al di sotto delle nuvole, al di là della foresta. |
Beyond and On This Side
When navigating across geographical boundaries or landscapes, you can use al di là (beyond, or on the other side) and al di qua (on this side).
| The drone cannot fly beyond the river. | Il drone non può volare al di là del fiume. |
| We keep the drone on this side of the ridge. | Teniamo il drone al di qua del crinale. |
Outside Boundaries
Finally, if you need to describe something being outside a specific boundary, limit, or area—such as the range of a radio signal—use al di fuori (outside).
| The drone is outside the range of the signal. | Il drone è al di fuori del raggio del segnale. |
