poi
/ˈpɔj/
The Italian word for 'then' is poi.
You will often see it used in the phrase e poi (and then) at the beginning of sentences to transition to the next point in a story or a sequence of actions.
Meaning: at that time (adv)
Which one should you use?
Use poi when you mean 'afterward' in a sequence of events. If you mean 'then' in the sense of 'at that time' or 'in that case', use allora instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɔj/
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, Italians often use poi as a filler word to delay an answer or transition between thoughts, similar to how English speakers use 'well' or 'anyway'.
- The Italian word poi is a close relative of the English word 'post' and the French word puis.
- While poi means 'then', the word allora is used as a standalone exclamation meaning 'Well then!' or 'So!' to prompt someone to start speaking.
Examples in context
- E poi mi tradì.And then he betrayed me.This sentence shows how to use poi to describe a sequence of actions.Tatoeba #11442976 by Guybrush88, translation #9939500 by ddnktr
- E poi che faccio?Then what do I do?This sentence shows how to use poi to ask about the next step in a sequence.Tatoeba #3997894 by Guybrush88, translation #3392981 by CK
- E poi cosa succede?And then what happens?This sentence shows how to use poi to ask about what happens next in a sequence.Tatoeba #5031873 by Guybrush88, translation #3129296 by CK
- Innanzitutto, analizziamo il problema. Successivamente, proponiamo una soluzione.Firstly, let's analyze the problem, then, let's propose a solution.
- Ho completato il report e in seguito l'ho inviato alla mia superiore.I completed the report, and then I sent it to my supervisor.
- Sono andato in banca e poi ho fatto la spesa.I went to the bank, and then I went grocery shopping.
- Ho guardato un film, e dopo ho fatto una passeggiata.I watched a movie, and then I went for a walk.
- Sono andato a prendere il caffè, poi invece ho scelto il tè.I went to get coffee, then I chose tea instead.
- 202 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are discussing a childhood memory.
- AlessandroEravamo molto piccoli e poi abbiamo vinto.We were very small and then we won.
- GiuliaDavvero? Non ricordo quell'evento.Really? I don't remember that event.
- AlessandroEravamo a scuola, poi siamo andati a festeggiare.We were at school, then we went to celebrate.
- GiuliaAh, adesso ricordo tutto!Ah, now I remember everything!
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
