allora
/alˈlo.ra/
The Italian phrase allora can be translated as 'so', 'then' or 'well'.
allora is frequently used as a discourse marker or filler to start a sentence, much like an English speaker might use 'so' or 'well'. It can also be used to express surprise, such as in the expression 'Allora! Non pensavo di vederti qui!' (Well! I didn't expect to see you here!). Additionally, it serves as a way to express hesitation or uncertainty, as seen in 'Allora, non sono sicuro se dovrei accettare l'invito.' (Um, I'm not sure if I should accept the invitation.).
Which one should you use?
While allora can refer to 'then' in a temporal sense, it is also commonly used to express a logical consequence, functioning similarly to the English phrase 'in that case'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Tuscany, the word ao might be used interchangeably with allora.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /alˈlo.ra/.
Did you know?
- The word allora is a 'fossil' of a specific point in time, originating from the Latin phrase ad illam hōram, which literally means 'at that hour'.
- When spoken with a rising intonation as a question, Allora? can be used to demand an answer or a decision from someone who is hesitating.
- If you use allora with a sharp, falling intonation and a sudden stop, it can act like a verbal exclamation mark to signal that a conversation is over or that you are impatient.
Examples in context
- Allora, cominciamo?So, shall we begin?
- Allora, cosa facciamo oggi?So, what are we doing today?
- Non ho più fame, allora non mangio.I'm not hungry anymore, so I won't eat.
- Ci vediamo alle otto, allora.We'll see each other at eight, then.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are deciding where to go for dinner.
- AlessandroAllora, dove andiamo a cena?So, where are we going for dinner?
- SofiaVorrei andare in quella pizzeria.I would like to go to that pizzeria.
- AlessandroVa bene, allora andiamo lì.Alright, then let's go there.
- SofiaPerfetto, ci vediamo tra poco.Perfect, see you in a bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry allora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
