Italian Phrase
La mappa dice di svoltare a sinistra.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the map indicates a left turn. It is a neutral way to convey the instruction that a map gives you while navigating.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are following a paper map, a GPS screen, or any printed directions and want to report the next maneuver. It works both in casual conversation and in more formal travel‑planning contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lamappadicedisvoltareasinistra
Articolo + sostantivo (La mappa)
‘La’ is the feminine singular definite article matching the noun ‘mappa’, which is also feminine singular.
Verbo dire (dice)
‘Dice’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘dire’ (to say). It is used here to report what the map states.
di + infinitivo
After verbs of saying or reporting (dire, affermare, ecc.), Italian uses ‘di’ + infinitive to introduce the reported action.
Preposizione di direzione (a sinistra)
‘A’ introduces the direction; ‘sinistra’ means ‘left’. Together they indicate the side to which you should turn.
🗨In Conversation
Hai controllato la mappa?
Did you check the map?
Sì, la mappa dice di svoltare a sinistra.
Yes, the map says to turn left.
✕Common Mistakes
La mappa dice svoltare a sinistra.
After ‘dire’, the infinitive must be introduced by ‘di’. The correct form is ‘dice di svoltare’.
La mappa dice girare a sinistra.
While ‘girare’ is fine, learners sometimes drop the preposition ‘di’ altogether. Keep ‘di’ before the infinitive.
La mappa dice di svoltare in sinistra.
Do not use ‘in sinistra’; the correct preposition for direction is ‘a’.
↔Alternatives
La mappa dice di girare a sinistra.
The map says to turn left.
Secondo la mappa, dobbiamo svoltare a sinistra.
According to the map, we have to turn left.
Il percorso indicato dalla mappa prevede una svolta a sinistra.
The route shown on the map includes a left turn.
Cultural Tip
In Italian navigation, ‘svoltare’ is slightly more formal than the everyday ‘girare’, but both are perfectly understood. When giving directions on the road, Italians often add landmarks (e.g., ‘svolta a sinistra dopo il bar’). Also, remember that ‘sinistra’ can refer to the left side of a street, a building, or a political orientation, so context matters.