Italian Phrase
È a un isolato.
Meaning
Literally, “It is at a block.” The sentence is used to tell someone that a place is located one city block away from a reference point. In everyday speech it often implies a short walking distance.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving directions, describing the proximity of a shop, restaurant, or any point of interest in an urban setting, or when you want to emphasize that something is only a block away.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èaunisolato
È (essere)
Third‑person singular of the verb *essere* (to be). It is used to describe a state or location.
a + indefinite article
The preposition *a* (at) is followed by the indefinite article *un* when the noun is masculine singular.
isolato (noun)
In urban Italian *isolato* means a city block; it is a masculine noun, so it takes *un*.
🗨In Conversation
Dove è la farmacia?
Where is the pharmacy?
È a un isolato.
It’s a block away.
✕Common Mistakes
È in un isolato.
The preposition for location is *a*, not *in*.
È a una isolato.
*Isolato* is masculine, so the article must be *un*.
E a un isolato.
The verb *è* needs the accent; without it the meaning changes.
↔Alternatives
È a un isolato di distanza.
It’s one block away.
È a un isolato da qui.
It’s a block from here.
È a un isolato di qua.
It’s a block over here.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, *isolato* refers specifically to a city block, not to an isolated person or place. When giving directions, Italians often count blocks rather than meters, especially in historic city centres where streets are short and winding. Remember to keep the accent on *È*; without it the word becomes *e* (and).