Italian Phrase
Preferisci incontri online o di persona?
Meaning
This question asks the listener whether they would rather have meetings on the internet (online) or meet face‑to‑face (in person). It’s a neutral, polite way to gauge a preference for the format of a future encounter.
When to use
Use it when you’re arranging a business call, a tutoring session, a social meetup, or any situation where the format (virtual vs. physical) matters. It works both in formal and informal contexts, as long as you keep a friendly tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Preferisciincontrionlineodipersona
Preferire (present)
Preferisci is the second‑person singular present of the verb preferire, used to ask someone’s preference.
Incontri (noun)
Incontri is the plural of incontro, meaning “meetings” or “encounters.”
Online (borrowed adverb)
Online is an English loanword used as an adverb/adjective meaning “via the internet.”
o (conjunction)
The coordinating conjunction o means “or” and separates the two options.
di persona (idiom)
The phrase di persona literally means “by person” and idiomatically means “in person, face‑to‑face.”
🗨In Conversation
Preferisci incontri online o di persona?
Do you prefer online meetings or in person?
Preferisco di persona, così possiamo parlare più facilmente.
I prefer in person, so we can talk more easily.
✕Common Mistakes
Preferisci di incontri online?
The verb preferire does not take the preposition di before the noun; just use the noun directly.
Preferisci incontri on line?
Write the loanword as one word (online) and keep the accent on the Italian words.
Preferisci incontri online o persona?
The idiom is di persona, not just persona.
↔Alternatives
Ti piacciono gli incontri online o di persona?
Do you like online or in‑person meetings?
Preferisci incontrare online o di persona?
Do you prefer to meet online or in person?
Preferisci fare una videochiamata o vederti di persona?
Do you prefer a video call or meeting face‑to‑face?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the expression di persona is the standard way to say “in person.” While “online” is now fully integrated, older generations may still prefer “in presenza” or “di persona.” When speaking with someone you don’t know well, keep the tone polite and avoid overly casual slang like “online” pronounced as “on‑lì‑ne” with an Italian accent.