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Italian Phrase

Sì, questa uscita porta alla via principale.

/si ˈkwesta uʃˈʃita ˈpɔrta ˈalla ˈvia prinʧiˈpale/
Meaning"Yes, this exit leads to the main road."
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Meaning

This phrase is a direct and clear way to confirm that a specific exit or way out will take you to the main road. 'Uscita' refers to an exit, often from a building, parking lot, or highway. 'Via principale' literally means 'main street' or 'main road'.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase when someone asks for directions, especially if they are looking for the main thoroughfare. It's perfect for guiding someone out of a complex area like a shopping mall, a parking garage, or a side street onto a more significant road.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Sì,questauscitaportaallaviaprincipale.

1

Sì

'Sì' means 'yes' and is a straightforward affirmation. It's one of the most basic and essential Italian words.

2

Questa

'Questa' is the feminine singular demonstrative adjective meaning 'this'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, 'uscita'.

3

Uscita

'Uscita' is a feminine noun meaning 'exit' or 'way out'. It comes from the verb 'uscire' (to go out).

4

Porta

'Porta' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'portare', meaning 'to carry' or 'to lead'. In this context, it means 'leads to'.

5

Alla

'Alla' is a contracted preposition, formed by 'a' (to/at) + 'la' (the, feminine singular). It means 'to the' or 'at the'.

6

Via principale

'Via' means 'street' or 'road', and 'principale' means 'main' or 'principal'. Together, 'via principale' refers to the main road or street in an area.

🗨In Conversation

A

Scusi, questa uscita mi porta alla via principale?

Excuse me, does this exit take me to the main road?

Sì, questa uscita porta alla via principale.

Yes, this exit leads to the main road.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Sì, questa strada porta alla via principale.

    While 'strada' means road, 'uscita' specifically refers to an exit. Using 'strada' here might imply the current road itself leads there, rather than a specific exit point.

  • Sì, questa uscita va alla via principale.

    While 'va' (from 'andare' - to go) is understandable, 'porta' (from 'portare' - to lead/carry) is more idiomatic and precise when referring to a path or exit leading somewhere.

↔Alternatives

  • Sì, da qui si arriva alla via principale.

    Yes, from here you arrive at the main road.

  • Sì, questa è la strada per la via principale.

    Yes, this is the road to the main road.

it

Cultural Tip

Italians are generally quite direct when giving directions. Don't be surprised if they use hand gestures extensively to point the way. 'Via principale' is a common and important term in Italian navigation, as many smaller towns and cities are structured around a central main road.