This lesson covers Italian adverbs of time like 'poi' (then), 'dopo' (after), 'prima' (before), highlighting their use to indicate when actions take place, e.g., 'Leggo e poi disegno' and 'Disegno prima di uscire.'
  1. Time adverbs are placed at the beginning of the sentence to emphasise the timing.
  2. Time adverbs are positioned at the end to add additional information.
Avverbio (Adverb)Esempio (Example)
PoiLeggo e poi disegno un po'. (I read and then draw a little.)
DopoDisegno dopo cena. (I draw after dinner.)
PrimaDisegno prima di uscire. (I draw before going out.)
GiàHo già letto quel libro. (I have already read that book.)
Ora / adessoAdesso sto disegnando. (Now I am drawing.)

Exercise 1: Gli avverbi di tempo: dopo, prima, poi ecc...

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

poi, dopo, mai, prima, adesso

1. Anteriormente:
Ascolto la musica ... di andare al lavoro.
(I listen to music before going to work.)
2. Ora:
Sto facendo delle fotografie ....
(I am taking some photographs now.)
3. In nessun caso:
Non leggo ... durante la mattina.
(I never read during the morning.)
4. In seguito:
Vado in palestra ... il lavoro.
(I go to the gym after work.)
5. Più tardi:
Leggo un libro e ... disegno.
(I read a book and then draw.)
6. In seguito:
Vado al cinema ... la cena.
(I go to the cinema after dinner.)
7. Anteriormente:
Disegno ... di uscire di casa.
(I draw before leaving the house.)
8. Ora:
Sto leggendo un libro ....
(I am reading a book now.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ___ di andare in palestra, bevo sempre un bicchiere d'acqua.

(___ going to the gym, I always drink a glass of water.)

2. Leggo un libro e ___ faccio una passeggiata nel parco.

(I read a book and ___ take a walk in the park.)

3. ___ cena, di solito guardo un film o ascolto musica.

(___ dinner, I usually watch a movie or listen to music.)

4. ___ sto dipingendo, il mio hobby preferito.

(___ I am painting, my favorite hobby.)

5. ___ ho finito il mio disegno e ora ascolto musica.

(___ I have finished my drawing and now I am listening to music.)

6. ___ preparo la cena e poi gioco a carte con gli amici.

(___ I prepare dinner and then I play cards with friends.)

Understanding Italian Time Adverbs: dopo, prima, poi, and More

This lesson focuses on common Italian adverbs of time that help you express when an action occurs. These words are essential for building sentences that clearly communicate sequences and timing in daily activities. The key adverbs covered include poi (then), dopo (after), prima (before), già (already), and ora/adesso (now).

What Are Time Adverbs?

Time adverbs indicate the timing of an event or action. For example, they answer questions like "When did something happen?" or "What is happening now?".

Placement of Time Adverbs in a Sentence

  • At the beginning: Placing the adverb at the start of a sentence emphasizes the time. Example: Prima di uscire, disegno un po'.
  • At the end: Putting the adverb at the end adds additional information. Example: Leggo e poi disegno.

Key Italian Time Adverbs with Examples

AdverbExample
PoiLeggo e poi disegno un po'.
DopoDisegno dopo cena.
PrimaDisegno prima di uscire.
GiàHo già letto quel libro.
Ora / AdessoSto disegnando adesso.

Important Notes for English Speakers Learning Italian

Unlike English, where time adverbs like "before," "after," and "then" often come before the main verb or clause, Italian is more flexible but frequently places these adverbs either at the beginning or end of sentences depending on emphasis. For instance, "before going to bed" translates as prima di andare a letto, where prima directly precedes the infinitive phrase.

Useful phrases:

  • Prima di... – Before...
  • Dopo... – After...
  • Poi – Then
  • Già – Already
  • Adesso / Ora – Now

Understanding these adverbs helps you narrate events in order and discuss what you are doing or have done, which is key for everyday communication in Italian.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 22/07/2025 10:00