Lesson 187: Expressing "since" in Italian

Since is one of those English words that can get a bit confusing when trying to find its equivalent in Italian because it's one of those words that is not simply a direct translation.

Recently, a reader asked me to explain the uses of visto che and dato che. I figured that since I was going to write about that, that I would address the whole issue.

In English, since can be a preposition, adverb or a conjunction.

Let's look at how this all works in Italian:

1. Since as a preposition
   
   As a preposition, since is translated with the preposition, da -- this is usually with time expressions:
   
   Suono il flauto da 13 anni.
   I have been playing the flute for thirteen years.
   
   Faccio il professore dal 2003.
   I have been a teacher since 2003.
   
   Notice the use of the present tense + da -- you can read more about that here.
   
   
2. Since as a conjunction
   
   As a conjunction, since is expressed in two ways:
   
   
   1. from the time when da quando, dal tempo in cui
      
      This usage is similar to since as a preposition except that this is used as a conjunction and refers to a very specific start to an action - remember in this construction as a conjunction, it must join two clauses. For example:
      
      Suono il flauto da quando avevo 13 anni.
      I have been playing the flute since I was thirteen.
      
      
   2. because, given that visto che, dato che, poiché
      
      Non andiamo al cinema visto che sei stanco.
      We are not going to the cinema seeing that (since) you are tired.
      
      Dato che non sei abituato al caldo, forse è meglio non uscire questo pomeriggio.
      Given that you are not used to the heat, perhaps it is better not go out this afternoon.
      
      Poiché nevicava, ho deciso di stare a casa. Le strade sono pericolose!
      Since it was snowing, I decided to stay home. The streets are dangerous.
      
      NB: Visto che and dato che can be used synonymously.
      
      
3. Since as an adverb
   
   Since can also be used adverbially. In English, since means subsequently and usually refers to some previous point in the past. It can also refer to a definite point in the past that relates to the present or can be synonymous with "ago".
   
   When since means subsequently, use da allora:
   
   Non l'ho vista da allora.
   I have not seen to her since.
   
   Da allora ci siamo visti ogni estate.
   We've seen each other every summer since.
   
   
4. Take note of these English expressions using since and their approximate Italian equivalents:
   
   not long since da poco, da poco tempo
   ever since da allora
   long since da molto, da molto tempo, da un pezzo
   many years since molti anni fa