How to use ALLORA in Italian: 12 Ways Italians Use it (PDF Cheat-Sheet 📚)

Allora is one of the most common words in Italian. But what does it actually mean? That’s where things get interesting. This little word carries a variety of meanings depending on the context, making it a versatile element in the Italian language.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the many faces of Allora in Italian: whether it’s used to buy time, add emphasis, or transition between thoughts, you’ll learn how Italians incorporate this word in their everyday conversations. I’ve included lots of real-life examples to illustrate its different uses and even point out a common mistake to avoid. By the end, you’ll be able to effortlessly weave this word into your Italian phrases, sounding more fluent and natural. Allora, iniziamo? (So, shall we start?)

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What does ALLORA mean in Italian?

Allora comes from the Latin “ad illam horam” which means “at that time”, and is one of those words that you can drop into conversation in a variety of contexts, making it a valuable addition to your Italian vocabulary.

Italians use it to fill pauses, emphasize a point, or simply keep the conversation flowing. Depending on the tone and context, it can convey impatience, curiosity, or excitement, providing insight into the speaker’s emotions.

Grammatically speaking, allora fits into two main categories: it can act as an adverb or a conjunction. However, don’t worry about the technical terms – let’s explore how you can use this word in everyday Italian to make your speech sound more engaging.

How to use ALLORA in Italian

Here are the different ways you can incorporate allora into your Italian conversations:

1. Filling pauses and buying time

When you need a moment to think, you can use allora to fill the silence while you gather your thoughts. In this context, it’s similar to saying “well…” or “you know…” in English:

Che ne pensi di Sandro? Allora… è simpatico, dai! – What do you think of Sandro? So… he’s nice, yeah!
Allora… vediamo cosa possiamo fare. – So… let’s see what we can do.
Cosa desidera ordinare? – Allora…prendo un macchiato e un cornetto alla marmellata – What would you like to order? – So…I’ll have a macchiato and a croissant with jam (Learn more about ordering coffee in Italy here)

2. Introducing or resuming a topic

Allora can be used to start talking about something or pick up where you left off:

Allora, oggi parleremo del grande poeta Giacomo Leopardi – So… today we will talk about the great poet Giacomo Leopardi (Learn more about Italian poetry here)
Allora, siamo oggi qui riuniti per festeggiare un traguardo importante – So, today we are gathered here to celebrate an important milestone.
Allora, stavamo dicendo? – So, where were we/what were we saying?

3. Concluding or summing up

When you’re wrapping up a conversation or summarizing a point, allora is your go-to word:

Allora tutto risolto, partiamo domani alle 8 – So, everything is settled; we leave tomorrow at 8.
Se due più due fa quattro, allora quattro diviso due fa due – If two plus two equals four, then four divided by two equals two.
Allora passo a prenderti alle 9 stasera, va bene? – So, I will pick you up at 9 tonight, okay?

4. Showing consequence

Another common use of allora in Italian is as a conjunction to express cause and effect, similar to “so” or “then” in English:

Se piove, allora non possiamo andare al parco – If it rains, then we can’t go to the park.
Erano molto stanchi, allora hanno preferito stare a casa – They were very tired, so they preferred to stay home
Non mi vuole parlare? Bene, allora non mi sentirà più! – He doesn’t want to talk to me? Well, then he won’t hear from me again!

5. Expressing a condition

Allora can mean “in that case” or “well then,” often setting up a condition or recommendation:

Se passi per Pavia, allora devi passare a trovarmi! – If you pass through Pavia, then you must come visit me!
Ti piacciono le mele? Allora devi assolutamente assaggiare questa torta! –
Do you like apples? Well then, you absolutely must try this cake!
Se vuoi dimagrire, allora devi iniziare a fare attività fisica – If you want to lose weight, then you need to start exercising.

Fun fact: This use of allora is also found in a popular Italian saying: Hai voluto la bicicletta? E allora pedala! (lit. You wanted the bike? Well then, pedal!). This expression is used to remind someone not to complain about the consequences of their choices.

6. Referring to the past or future

Allora also works as an adverb to refer to specific moments in the past or future, much like how Ligabue uses it in his song “Ora e Allora” (Now and Then)!

Ricordo le estati al mare con i nonni; allora bastava così poco per divertirsi – I remember summers at the beach with my grandparents; back then, it took so little to have fun
Allora ci si sposava presto, non è come adesso – In those days, people got married early; it’s not like now.
Quando avrai 18 anni, allora potrai fare quello che vuoi – When you are 18, then you can do what you want

Here are some handy expressions using allora in this context:

Di allora refers to “back then” and how things have changed, as in:

La moda di allora era molto diversa da quella di oggi (The fashion style back then was very different from today’s).

Da allora/Da allora in poi: highlights how life has changed “since then” or “from then on,” as in:

Ho divorziato dieci anni fa e da allora non mi sono più risposata. (I got divorced ten years ago, and since then I haven’t remarried).

Per allora: can be used to reminisce “back then” or to plan for “by then.” For example:

L’ho comprato nel 1981, per allora era un privilegio. (I bought it in 1981; it was a real privilege back then.)
Tra una settimana arriva mamma, la nuova stanza sarà pronta per allora. (Mum will be here in a week; the new room will be ready by then).

How to use ALLORA in Italian - Di allora, da allora, per alloa

Allora come allora: used to explain past decisions by saying “given the circumstances back then.” For example:

Quando avevo vent’anni mi offrirono un lavoro a Londra, ma allora come allora non accettai. (When I was twenty, I was offered a job in London, but given the circumstances at that time, I didn’t accept).

L’allora: as an adjective, to talk about “the then” important people and their roles. For instance:

Era il 1970 e l’allora direttore della fabbrica era il Signor Bianchi (It was 1970, and the then-director of the factory was Mr. Bianchi).

How to use ALLORA in Italian - allora come allora, l'allora

7. Encouraging someone to do or say something

Another use of allora in Italian involves nudging someone into speaking or acting. In this vein, it’s often employed in questions (either at the beginning or end) to prompt a response:

Allora? Cosa ci racconti di bello? – So? What good news do you have for us?
Ci sei andata all’appuntamento allora? – So, did you go to the appointment?
Allora, ci spieghi cos’è successo! – So, explain to us what happened!

Allora with this meaning can also be used on its own. Say your friend is not answering your question, you can say Allora? (So?) to encourage her to say something. You can also use it as a friendly prompt to engage someone:

Allora Anna, da quanto tempo non ti vediamo! Come stai? – So Anna, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen you! How are you?

8. Making things clear

When placed at the beginning of a sentence, allora can be used to clarify or emphasize a point, especially in discussions:

Allora, sono anni che faccio questo mestiere, so quello che dico! – So, I’ve been doing this job for years, I know what I’m talking about!
Allora, non ho preso io le tue chiavi, ok? – So, I didn’t take your keys, alright?
Allora, ho un pò più anni di te, quindi so come vanno certe cose – So, I’m a bit older than you, so I know how certain things work.

9. Expressing impatience

Allora can also help convey impatience or a sense of urgency:

Allora, andiamo? – So, shall we go?
Allora, ti vuoi sbrigare! – So, are you going to hurry up?
Allora, andiamo o non andiamo? – So, are we going or not?

10. Expressing annoyance

If you need to vent a little, a well-placed allora is perfect for mild complaints:

Allora, basta! Non ne posso più! – Enough already! I can’t take it anymore!
Allora, la smetti con questo ticchettio? – Come on, can you stop that clicking noise?
Allora, esattamente cosa non ti è chiaro di quello che ho detto? – So, exactly what part of what I said is unclear to you?

11. Scolding

Allora is great also for channeling your inner stern teacher or strict parent with – if an Italian mum says Allora! with that certain tone, kids know they are in trouble:

Allora, cos’è questo casino? – So, what is this mess?
Allora! Basta capricci! – Enough with the tantrums!
Allora, sedetevi e fate silenzio! – Now, sit down and be quiet!

12. Giving a cheeky response

Lastly, allora can add a touch of sass to your reply, meaning “so what?” For example, imagine a mother talking to her teenage kid:

A: Hai lasciato di nuovo piatti nel lavandino! – You left the dishes in the sink again!
B: Sì, allora? – Yeah, so what?
A: La preside mi ha chiamato, ha detto che non eri a scuola oggi! – The principal called me and said you weren’t in school today!
B: Allora? – So what?

What is the difference between ALLORA and ALL’ORA in Italian

How to use ALLORA in Italian - Difference between allora and all'ora When learning Italian, it’s easy to confuse words that sound similar but have different meanings. A prime example is allora vs all’ora. Allora is a single word with various uses, which we’ve explored in this guide. On the other hand, all’ora is a combination of two words joined by an apostrophe – the preposition alla (at) and the word ora (hour) – and can be used in two distinct ways:

1. To indicate a rate or speed (“per hour”):

Questa macchina arriva a 250km all’ora (This car reaches 250 km per hour)
Mi pagano 10 euro all’ora (They pay me 10 euros per hour)

2. To indicate a specific time (“at the hour”):

Ci vediamo domani all’ora di oggi – We’ll see each other tomorrow at the same time as today
Non posso venire, ho un appuntamento all’ora di pranzo – I can’t come, I have an appointment at lunchtime

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How to use ALLORA in Italian - FREE Cheat-Sheet

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