non ancora
/non anˈko.ra/word by word
The Italian phrase for 'not yet' is non ancora.
non ancora is an adverbial phrase used to indicate that something has not happened for the moment, though it is expected to happen later.
Meaning: not for the moment, though expected later (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of non (not) and ancora (yet/still).
Which one should you use?
While non ancora is the standard adverbial phrase, the alternative ancora no is also common and is used to emphasize the current state of 'not yet' when responding to questions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase non ancora can be used as a standalone adverbial response to a question.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /non anˈko.ra/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Italian has two different words spelled ancora. One means 'yet' or 'still' and the other means 'anchor' as in a ship's equipment.
- The word ancora contains a hidden history of time. It likely derives from the Late Latin phrase 'hanc horam', meaning 'until this hour'.
- In Italian, the word ancora can act as a double agent. It can mean 'yet' in a negative sentence like non ancora, but it can also mean 'again' or 'more' in an affirmative one.
Examples in context
- "Hai fame?" "Non ancora."“Are you hungry?” “Not yet.”This example shows using non ancora as a short response to a question about hunger.Tatoeba #11626343 by Guybrush88, translation #7106513 by Eccles17
- "Mamma, sono adottato?" "No, non ancora.""Mom, am I adopted?" "No, not yet."This example shows a response to a question about adoption using non ancora.Tatoeba #11090234 by Guybrush88, translation #10257033 by espamatics
- "È pronto ad andare?" "Non ancora. Un minuto.""Are you ready to go?" "Not yet. One minute."This example shows using non ancora as a response to a question regarding readiness.Tatoeba #8272223 by Guybrush88, translation #8272214 by lunchmeat317
- No, signore. Non ancora.No, sir. Not yet.
- Ancora no, sto cercando altre opzioni.Not yet, I'm exploring other options.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are waiting for a train.
- MatteoIl treno è arrivato?Has the train arrived?
- SofiaNo, non ancora.No, not yet.
- MatteoForse è in ritardo.Maybe it is late.
- SofiaSì, controlliamo il tabellone.Yes, let's check the board.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “not yet” translations and entries non ancora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (non, ancora) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ancora, non, non ancora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
