Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| di nuovo | /di ˈnwɔ.vo/ |
| ancora | /anˈko.ra/ |
| ri- | /ri/ |
Use di nuovo to emphasize the start of a new occurrence. Use ancora when you want to express that a situation is persisting or repeating.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase di nuovo literally translates to 'of new'.
Which one should you use?
di nuovo specifically means 'again' (a new instance of an event). In contrast, ancora can mean both 'again' (another time) and 'still' (continuing a state). While di nuovo emphasizes the start of a new occurrence, ancora is often used to express that a situation is persisting or repeating.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Venetian dialect, speakers often say di novo instead of di nuovo. In the Neapolitan dialect, ancò is a common variation of ancora.
How does it change in a sentence?
The prefix ri- is used with verbs to indicate that an action is being performed again, such as fare (to do) becoming rifare (to do again).
How do you pronounce it?
/di ˈnwɔ.vo/. The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ancora has a surprising double life. While it means 'again' or 'still' in daily speech, it is also the Italian word for 'anchor' as in a ship's anchor.
- The word ancora likely evolved from the Late Latin phrase in hanc hōram, which means 'until this hour'.
Examples in context
- È di nuovo qui.He's here again.This sentence shows how to use di nuovo to say someone is here again.Tatoeba #8493850 by Guybrush88, translation #8480197 by CH
- È ancora a casa.He's home again.This sentence demonstrates the use of ancora to say someone is home again.Tatoeba #8486911 by Guybrush88, translation #8480210 by CH
- Lo vedrò di nuovo.I'll see him again.This sentence shows how to use di nuovo to express seeing someone again.Tatoeba #1251693 by Guybrush88, translation #31458 by CK
- Mi puoi spiegare di nuovo come funziona?Can you explain to me again how it works?
- Abbiamo ripetutamente chiesto il suo supporto.We have repeatedly asked for his support.
- Ho vinto! Mi hanno dato di nuovo un premio.I won! They gave me a prize again!
- 1361 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are in a cafe after a rainy walk.
- GiuliaFuori piove di nuovo.It is raining again outside.
- LorenzoChe peccato, Giulia.What a shame, Giulia.
- GiuliaPossiamo uscire di nuovo domani.We can go out again tomorrow.
- LorenzoSpero proprio di sì.I really hope so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “again” translations and entries di nuovo, ancora, ri-, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ancora, di, di nuovo, nuovo, ri-, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
