proprio ora
/ˈprɔ.prjo ˈo.ra/word by word
The English phrase "right now" is translated into Italian as proprio ora.
proprio ora is used to describe something happening at this precise moment.
Meaning: at this precise moment (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of proprio, meaning "exact" or "very" and ora, meaning "now".
Which one should you use?
While adesso is the standard way to say "now", proprio ora is more emphatic and precise. Another common alternative is in questo momento, which carries a similar meaning of "at this precise moment".
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ora shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'aura', meaning a gentle breeze, because both stem from the Latin word for air or wind.
- Even though ora means 'now', it is also the Italian word for 'hour', which is why many people use the phrase a quest'ora to mean 'at this hour'.
- If you want to sound more dramatic when saying 'right now', you might use the word subito, which technically means 'immediately' but is often used to emphasize urgency.
Examples in context
- So che Tom lo sta facendo proprio ora.I know that Tom is doing that right now.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is performing an action proprio ora.Tatoeba #11743443 by mugnozzo, translation #7515120 by CK
- Mia moglie sta preparando la cena proprio ora.My wife is preparing dinner right now.This sentence shows how to describe a continuous action happening proprio ora.Tatoeba #380174 by Pharamp, translation #24033 by CK
- Mi scusi, posso prenderlo proprio ora?Excuse me, can I take it right now?
- L'assemblea sta iniziando in questo momento.The meeting is starting right now.
- Vieni qui, subito!Come here, right now!
- Non posso parlare proprio ora.I cannot talk right now.
Example conversation
Martina calls Francesco while he is busy at work.
- MartinaFrancesco, sei libero per una chiamata?Francesco, are you free for a call?
- FrancescoNo, non posso proprio ora, Martina.No, I cannot right now, Martina.
- MartinaVa bene, ti chiamo più tardi.Okay, I will call you later.
- FrancescoGrazie mille, a dopo.Thanks a lot, see you later.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (proprio, ora) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ora, proprio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
