Italian Phrase
È proprio dietro l'angolo.
Meaning
Literally, “It is exactly behind the corner.” In everyday Italian it means that something is just around the corner, very close by. The phrase conveys both location and a sense of immediacy.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are giving directions or pointing out a place that is only a few steps away, such as a shop, café, or friend’s house. It works in informal conversation and is common when you want to stress how near the destination is.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èpropriodietrol'angolo
È (essere)
Third‑person singular of the verb *essere* meaning “is”. The accent on È distinguishes it from the conjunction *e* (“and”).
proprio
An adverb meaning “exactly”, “right”, or “just”. It adds emphasis to the location.
dietro
A preposition meaning “behind”. When followed by a noun it indicates a position at the back of that object.
l'angolo
The noun *angolo* (“corner”) with the definite article *il* elided to *l'* before a vowel.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, dove è il bar?
Excuse me, where is the bar?
È proprio dietro l'angolo.
It’s right around the corner.
✕Common Mistakes
E proprio dietro l'angolo.
Missing the accent on È changes the meaning to the conjunction “and”.
È proprio dietro al angolo.
The preposition *dietro* already includes the idea of “behind”; adding *al* is redundant in standard Italian.
È proprio dietro l'angoli.
The noun *angolo* is singular here; the plural *angoli* would be incorrect unless you refer to multiple corners.
↔Alternatives
È subito dietro l'angolo.
It’s just behind the corner.
È a due passi dall'angolo.
It’s a couple of steps from the corner.
È proprio dietro l'angolino.
It’s right behind the little corner.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, *proprio* is a handy word to add emphasis, similar to “exactly” or “right” in English. The expression *dietro l'angolo* is idiomatic for “nearby” and is used all over Italy, from Rome to Milan. When speaking to locals, a friendly tone and a slight hand gesture toward the direction can make the phrase feel even more natural.