How do you say “now” in Italian?

Not unlike many other languages, Italian has several different ways to say “now.” I’ve come up with 11 synonyms or expressions that carry a similar meaning to “now.” At the end, I’ve also included a special mention for oramai, with its various meanings, plus a lovely bonus idiom to wrap things up!

Here’s the list of the 11 synonyms:

1. Adesso
2. Ora
3. In questo momento
4. Al momento
5. In questo istante
6. Proprio adesso
7. Già ora
8. A quest’ora
9. Subito
10. Al giorno d’oggi
11. Appena

How to widen your vocabulary

But before we get into the details, I’d like to quickly share some tips on how to widen your vocabulary, as lists are not enough. These are techniques I personally use for learning another language, and they’ve worked brilliantly for me:

·  Get yourself a lovely, spanking-new notebook

Every time you come across a new word or expression, jot it down. Write the expression, include an example sentence, and note its meaning.

·  Don’t let your notebook gather dust

Review your list from time to time (in other words, regularly 😉).

·  Pick a couple of favourites

Choose one or two items (no more) that you’d really like to start using. Remember, passive vocabulary (words you recognise) is different from active vocabulary (words you actually use). To bridge that gap, you need to start using them!

·  Stick with post-it notes

Write your two chosen words or expressions on a post-it note and stick it somewhere you’ll see it often – like your desk or fridge – to keep them fresh in your mind.

·  Use it or lose it! (Usali per non dimenticarli!)

The most important thing is to actively use these expressions. If you don’t, you’ll forget them! So, make a point of using at least one in your next class. Prepare a general sentence where it could fit, and just go for it!

Not attending a class? Join us for a free trial and start speaking, not only learning words. Book it here.

11 ways of saying NOW in Italian

In Italian, the word “now” can be translated in different ways depending on the context.

Here’s our list of the most common options, with explanations and examples:

1. Adesso (now)
   • Main usage: indicates the present moment and means ‘now’.
   • Adesso sto studiando italiano. (Now I am studying Italian.)
   • Adesso sto facendo la spesa. (Now I’m doing the shopping.)
2. Ora (now)
   • Synonym of “adesso,” used in similar contexts.
   • Ora vengo. (I’m coming now.)
   • Ora tocca a te. (Now it’s your turn.)
3. In questo momento (at the moment)
   • Similar to the previous expressions, this is a synonym of adesso and ora and refers to the current time.
   • Non posso parlare, sono occupato in questo momento. (I can’t talk, I’m busy at the moment.)
   • In questo momento sono in Italia, domani torno a Londra. (At the moment I’m in Italy, tomorrow I’m back in London.)
4. Al momento (at the moment)
   • Often used to describe the current situation in a more general way.
   • Al momento non lavoro. (At the moment, I’m not working.)
   • Al momento l’economia è in crescita. (At the moment, the economy is growing.)
5. In questo istante (at the moment)
   • A variant of in questo momento, used to stress immediacy.
   • Non disturbarlo, sta lavorando in questo istante. (Don’t disturb him; he’s working right this instant.)
6. Proprio adesso
   • Emphasises that the action is happening exactly at this instant.
   • Proprio adesso stavo pensando a te! (I was just thinking about you right now!)
   • Andiamo a mangiare? Sì, proprio adesso stavo pensando la stessa cosa! (Shall we go and eat? Yes, I was just thinking the same thing!)
7. Già ora (even now)
   • Indicates that something is already true at the present moment.
   • Già ora ci sono segnali di miglioramento. (Even now, there are signs of improvement.)
8. A quest’ora (at this hour)
   • Refers to the current moment or a specific point in time.
   • A quest’ora dovresti essere a letto. (By now, you should be in bed.)
9. Subito (straight away)
   • Used when “now” implies immediacy or urgency.
   • Vieni subito qui! (Come here now!)
10. Al giorno d’oggi (nowadays)
    • Refers to “now” in a more general or modern sense.
    • Al giorno d’oggi tutti usano lo smartphone. (Nowadays, everyone uses a smartphone.)
11. Appena (as soon as)
    • Used for actions that are about to happen immediately or have just happened, often conveying the sense of “right now.”
    • Esco appena finisco di mangiare. (I’m leaving as soon as I finish eating.)

A special mention for Ormai

This word has several meanings depending on the context. Here are its main uses:

1. By now / At this point
   Indicates that a situation has reached a certain stage or point and cannot be changed.
   • Ormai è troppo tardi per tornare indietro.
     (By now it’s too late to go back.)
   • Ormai lo sanno tutti.
     (By now everyone knows it.)
2. Anyway / As it is
   Conveys resignation or acceptance of a situation.
   • Ormai non importa più.
     (It doesn’t matter anymore.)
   • Ormai non possiamo fare più niente.
     (We can’t do anything about it anymore.)
3. Soon (in some contexts)
   Implies that something is about to happen.
   • Ormai stiamo per arrivare a casa.
     (We’ll be home soon.)
   • Ormai sta per iniziare il film.
     (The film is about to start.)

Bonus idiom

Di punto in bianco (out of the blue)
Used in contexts where “now” indicates something happening suddenly.

• Di punto in bianco, ha deciso di partire. (Out of the blue, he decided to leave.)

Conclusion and further recommendations

Mastering the different ways to say “now” in Italian is a great way to sound more fluent and better understand the language in context. Start by focusing on a few expressions that you feel most confident using, like adesso or ora, and gradually expand your repertoire with phrases like in questo momento or proprio adesso.

• For Beginners and Elementary students, the best way to develop your vocabulary is through reading. A great starting point is this series of graded books in Italian for complete beginners and advanced beginners, designed to introduce new words and expressions in context, helping you build your confidence while enjoying engaging stories. See if you can recognise the new vocabulary you’ve just learnt.

• For Intermediate and Advanced learners, you can take it a step further by immersing yourself in Italian TV shows or podcasts. Pay close attention to how native speakers use these expressions and jot down examples to practise. Mimic their usage in your own sentences and challenge yourself to incorporate them into conversations. The more you practise, the more natural they’ll feel!

Let us know which of these expressions you’ve found most useful or share your favourite Italian word for “now”!

Once you’ve learnt your vocabulary, to be able to activate it, for it be use in conversation is to practice speaking. If you don’t have a way of practicing, I can recommend joining a class. We offer a free trial, book it here.