A1.41 - Describing hobbies

Adverbs of time: dopo, prima, poi, etc...

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

Gli avverbi di tempo indicano quando accade qualcosa.

(Adverbs of time indicate when something happens.)

What these words do (time adverbs)

These words help you answer: When? and In what order?

Italian Main idea Typical English
prima before / earlier before
poi next step in a sequence then / next
dopo after (something) after / afterwards
già already (completed/known) already
ora / adesso now (at this moment) now

Where to place them in the sentence (the practical rule)

  • At the start = you highlight the time frame (good for storytelling).
  • At the end = you add time information as an extra detail.
Position Italian example Meaning
Start Adesso lavoro. Now (right now) I’m working.
End Lavoro adesso. I’m working now. (less emphasis)
Middle (common) Studio e poi esco. I study and then I go out.

Tip: In A1 Italian, aim for the “natural” positions above. Italians also move these words for emphasis, but you don’t need to force it.

“Poi” vs “Dopo”: the difference learners mix up

  • poi = “then / next” in a sequence. It often connects two actions.
  • dopo = “after” a reference point (often after + noun or after + clause).
Use Correct Italian What it means
Sequence Leggo e poi disegno. I read and then I draw.
After + noun Disegno dopo cena. I draw after dinner.
After + “that” moment Prima finisco la riunione, e dopo ti chiamo. First I finish the meeting, and after that I call you.

Self-check: If you can replace it with “after dinner / after the meeting”, choose dopo. If you mean “next”, choose poi.

“Prima” in real sentences: two common patterns

  • prima di + infinitive = “before doing …”
  • prima alone = “first” (often paired with poi)
Pattern Italian English
prima di + infinito Prima di uscire, mando un’email. Before going out, I send an email.
prima … poi … Prima lavoro, poi faccio sport. First I work, then I work out.

Avoid: Prima uscire → say Prima di uscire.

“Già”: where it goes and what it implies

  • già signals: “this is done/true earlier than expected” or “you don’t need to tell me”.
  • Very common position: after the auxiliary (ho, sono).
Structure Correct Italian Meaning
ho/sono + già + participio Ho già letto il documento. I have already read the document.
già with “know” Questo lo so già. I already know that.

Self-check: Are you communicating “already” (completed/known)? If yes, già is the right choice (not ora/adesso).

“Ora” / “Adesso”: choosing and placing them

  • ora and adesso usually mean the same: “now”.
  • Use them to contrast with prima (before/earlier): Prima… adesso…
Contrast Italian English
past habit vs now Prima guardo la TV. Adesso leggo. Before I used to watch TV. Now I read.
right now (emphasis) Ora non posso: sono in riunione. I can’t now: I’m in a meeting.

Mini checklist (before you speak)

  1. Order? Use prima and poi.
  2. After a reference point? Use dopo (+ noun/clause).
  3. Already done/known? Use già (often after ho/sono).
  4. Right now? Use ora/adesso (start of the sentence for emphasis).

Goal for A1: Make your timeline clear. Perfect word order can come later.

  1. Adverbs of time are placed at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize the moment.
  2. Adverbs of time are placed at the end to add additional information.
AvverbioEsempio
PoiLeggo e poi disegno un po'. (I read and then I 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: Multiple choice

Instruction: Choose the correct answer

Fetching your corrections... Please don't close this page yet.

1. _____ lavoro in ufficio, poi vado al corso di danza.

_____ I work in the office, then I go to the dance class.

2. Ceno con la mia famiglia e _____ guardo un film.

I have dinner with my family and _____ I watch a movie.

3. _____ del corso di fotografia leggo un libro, poi faccio le foto al parco.

_____ the photography course I read a book, then I take photos at the park.

4. _____ ascolto musica, ho già fatto i compiti di italiano.

_____ I'm listening to music, I've already done my Italian homework.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the phrases

Instruction: Rephrase the sentences using the adverb of time indicated in parentheses (then, after, before, already, now/at the moment). Change the position of the adverb when necessary.

Fetching your corrections... Please don't close this page yet.

Show/Hide translation Show/Hide hints
  1. Hint Hint (poi) Vado in palestra. Faccio la doccia.
    ⇒ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example
    Vado in palestra e poi faccio la doccia.
    (I go to the gym and then I take a shower.)
  2. Hint Hint (dopo) Ceniamo. Guardiamo un film.
    ⇒ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example
    Dopo cena guardiamo un film.
    (After dinner we watch a movie.)
  3. Hint Hint (prima) Esco. Scrivo le email importanti.
    ⇒ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example
    Prima di uscire scrivo le email importanti.
    (Before going out I write the important emails.)
  4. Hint Hint (già) Ho letto questo documento? Ho letto questo documento.
    ⇒ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example
    Ho già letto questo documento.
    (I have already read this document.)
  5. Hint Hint (ora) Studio italiano. Parlo con la mia collega italiana.
    ⇒ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example
    Ora studio italiano e poi parlo con la mia collega.
    (Now I study Italian and then I talk with my colleague.)
  6. Hint Hint (adesso) Faccio una pausa caffè. Lavoro.
    ⇒ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example
    Adesso faccio una pausa caffè e poi lavoro.
    (Now I take a coffee break and then I work.)

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

Profile Picture

Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

University_Logo

Last Updated:

Thursday, 16/04/2026 01:06