Do you know how to use these words like volta, momento, tempo ora? Learn How to use the English word TIME in Italian – Volta – Momento – Tempo – Ora and avoid mistakes.
Look at these examples to see how these words are used in Italian.
Ti ho sempre aiutato, ma questa volta non posso.
Il mattino è il momento più bello: hai un’intera giornata davanti a te!
La fabbrica è stata chiusa poco tempo fa
Che ora è? Sono le tre.
Try this task to test your knowledge:
Read the explanation to learn more.
1. VOLTA ⇒ occasion
This term refers to the act of repeating an action, whether it be once, twice, three times, or only once in a while.
Examples:
♦ Una volta/due volte/tre volte (once/twice, three times)
♦ Questa volta (this time)
♦ La prima volta (the first time)
♦ Un’altra volta (again)
♦ Ancora una volta (once again)
♦ La prossima volta (next time)
♦ Di volta in volta (from time to time)
♦ A volte (at times)
♦ Ogni volta (every time/each time) every time she sings, I’m happy)
♦ Per volta (at a time)
♦ Fare una cosa per volta (to do one thing at a time)
♦ C’era una volta (once upon a time)
♦ Per l’ennesima volta (once more time)
2. MOMENTO ⇒ point in time
We use this word to refer to a small amount of time, a very short amount of time. There is no m. to lose; it has meant something like ATTIMO/ISTANTE, with which it is frequently replaced: Non c’è un momento da perdere (there is no time to lose.)
Examples:
♦ In qualunque/qualsiasi momento (any time) –> you can call me any time if you need me
♦ Da un momento all’altro (any time now) –> we’ll be ready to leave any time now.
♦ In un momento successivo ( later time) –> we can discuss it at a later time
♦ Al momento (at the present time) –> at the present time there are many problems
♦ In quel momento (at that time) –> At that time I didn’t understand what she meant
♦ In questo momento (at this time) –> That car model is not available at this time
3. TEMPO ⇒ length of time
We use this word to describe the passage of time
Examples:
♦ Arrivare in tempo per (right time for)
♦ Aver tempo di fare qualcosa (to have time to do something)
♦ Perdere tempo (to waste time)
♦ (per) Tutto il tempo (for the whole time)
♦ Nel giro di poco tempo (within a short space of time)
♦ Il tempo giusto per (right time for)
♦ Arrivare in tempo per (to arrive in time to)
♦ In tempo di guerra (in wartime)
♦ Allo stesso tempo (at the same time)
♦ Per molto tempo (for a long time)
♦ Fuori tempo (out of time)
♦ Perdita ti tempo (waste of time)
♦ Quanto tempo! (it’s been a long time)
♦ Tanto tempo fa (tanto tempo fa)
4. ORA – ORARIO ⇒Time Unit
(time relating to the hour of the day or to timetables)
Examples:
♦ Che ore sono? (What time is it?)
♦ Hai l’ora esatta? (Do you have the right time?)
♦ È ora di andare (It’s time to go)
♦ Domani a quest’ora (this time tomorrow)
♦ Era ora! (About time!)
♦ L’ora di punta (the rush hour)
♦ L’ora di pranzo (lunchtime)
♦ L’orario d’uffico, di lavoro, delle lezioni (office, work, school hours)
♦ L’orario di apertura/chiusura (opening/closing times)
♦ In orario (on time, according to the timetable)
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