Expressing Time in the Past

JackK15

JackK15

Is there any difference in meaning between:

 

Sono quattro anni che vivo in Italia

and

Vivo in Italia da quattro anni

 

The lesson says the sentences mean exactly the same thing in English, but there must be a slight difference in Italian, otherwise why do both forms exist?

caterina-rocket-italian-tutor

caterina-rocket-italian-tutor

Hi JackK15, 

 

Thanks for your question!

 

There is indeed a slight difference between the 2 sentences, although the overall meaning is the same. 

 

The first one emphasizes the length of time (4 years), while the second one emphasizes the location (Italy). 

 

Hope this helps :) 

 

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