Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| a volte | /a‿vˈvɔl.te/ |
| qualche volta | /ˈkwal.ke ˈvɔl.ta/ (word by word) |
| talvolta | /talˈvɔl.ta/ |
These phrases are used to indicate that something happens on certain occasions, but not always. Like in English, you can place these phrases at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a volte literally translates to 'at times'.
Which one should you use?
While a volte is the standard expression, talvolta serves as a more formal or literary version. The phrase qualche volta is also used to mean 'sometimes'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern regions, such as Naples and Southern Campania, the colloquial expression Ogni du' tre can be used to mean 'sometimes'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Qualche volta is a singular phrase used to mean 'sometimes', where qualche means 'some' and volta means 'time' or 'occasion'.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase a volte is pronounced /a‿vˈvɔl.te/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word volta in a volte comes from a root meaning 'to turn' or 'a rotation'.
- The Italian word volta has many different meanings depending on context, including 'time', 'turn', or even an architectural 'vault'.
- Although qualche means 'some', it is grammatically restricted to being followed by a singular noun like volta, even when the meaning is plural.
Examples in context
- È strano a volte.He's strange sometimes.This sentence shows the use of a volte to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #2594060 by Guybrush88, translation #1009348 by AOCinJAPAN
- Ci penso a volte.I think about it sometimes.This sentence demonstrates the placement of a volte to describe a habit of thought.Tatoeba #4987353 by Guybrush88, translation #4987287 by CK
- Io studio a volte!I study sometimes!This sentence shows how a volte can be used to describe an occasional action.Tatoeba #4959363 by Guybrush88, translation #4959354 by handsomelyian
- A volte mangio fuori al ristorante.Sometimes I eat at the restaurant.
- A volte il tempo è imprevedibile.Sometimes the weather is unpredictable.
- Ogni tanto vado al cinema con gli amici.Sometimes I go to the movies with friends.
- Ogni tanto mi concedo una pausa dolce.Sometimes I treat myself to a sweet break.
- Qualche volta mi annoio in ufficio.Sometimes I get bored at the office.
- Qualche volta mi perdo nei pensieri.Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts.
- A tratti mi dimentico le chiavi di casa.Sometimes I forget the house keys.
- A tratti mi annoio di stare sempre a casa.Sometimes I get bored of always being at home.
- 619 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are talking about their weekly habits.
- FrancescoTi piace correre la mattina?Do you like running in the morning?
- MartinaSì, ma corro solo a volte.Yes, but I only run sometimes.
- FrancescoAnche io a volte preferisco riposare.I also sometimes prefer to rest.
- MartinaHai ragione, Francesco.You're right, Francesco.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sometimes” translations and entries a volte, qualche volta, talvolta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (qualche, volta) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a volte, qualche, talvolta, volta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
