poi
/ˈpɔj/
The Italian word poi means "then" or "later".
poi is an adverb used to refer to a time after the current moment or a subsequent event in a sequence. It is frequently used to transition between steps in a sequence, similar to the English "and then".
Which one should you use?
While poi can mean "then" in a sequence of events, it is also used to mean "later" in a temporal sense. For a more formal way to express "subsequently" or "later", you can use successivamente.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɔj/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, poi can be used to introduce a contradictory point, functioning like 'moreover' or 'besides' to add a final, deciding argument to a list.
- While poi usually means 'later', using it in the phrase e poi? can shift the meaning to 'so what?', turning a temporal marker into a challenge.
- The word poi is a close relative of the English word 'post' as in 'postpone' or 'post-script'. Both originate from the Latin root for 'after'.
Examples in context
- Sono entrato in ufficio, e poi ho fatto una telefonata.I entered the office, and then I made a phone call.
- Prima mangio, poi esco.First I eat, then I go out.
- Ne parliamo poi.We will talk about it later.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are planning their afternoon in a cafe.
- LorenzoAndiamo al cinema ora?Are we going to the cinema now?
- ChiaraNo, andiamo poi.No, we will go later.
- LorenzoVa bene, allora cosa facciamo?Alright, so what are we doing?
- ChiaraFacciamo una passeggiata.Let's take a walk.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry poi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
