Ora, tempo, volta all express, in different ways, the idea of time in English. However, they can’t be used interchangeably, and there’s a stark difference between them. So, what’s the difference between these three words?
Volta
Volta (or volte, the plural form) is generally used in combination with other words in time expressions. We use “volte” to say how many times you have done something.
- Molte volte – many times
- Poche volte – few times
- Qualche volta – sometimes
- Una volta – once
- Due volte – twice
We use volta in expressions like “the first time,” “the second time,” etc.
- Prima volta – first time
- Seconda volta – second time
- Terza volta – third time
And finally, we use volta in several other time expressions, like:
- C’era una volta – once upon a time
- Di volta in volta – from time to time
- Un poco alla volta – little by little
Tempo
The word tempo is used to describe the abstract idea of time or the passing of time. For example:
- Il tempo vola – time flies
- Hai tempo oggi? – Do you have time today?
- Non ho mai tempo per i miei amici – I never have time for my friends
- Il tempo libero – free time
Tempo is also used in many time expressions too, for instance:
- Molto tempo – a long time
- Molto tempo fa – a long time ago
- Poco tempo fa – a short while ago
But tempo also means weather, and so it is used to speak about the weather:
- Che tempo fa? – How is the weather?
- Com’è il tempo? – What’s the weather like?
- Il tempo è bello oggi – It’s nice/sunny today
Ora
Ora (or ore, in the plural form) is used to ask the time.
- Che ora è? – What time is it?
- Che ore sono? – What time is it?
(Both questions are equally used.)
Ora is also used in the common expression “It’s time to…”
- È ora di andare a letto! – It’s time to go to sleep
Ora has another common meaning in Italian, which is “now.” In this case, ora is a synonym of adesso.
- Ora andiamo a casa, ragazzi! – Now, let’s go home, kids!
Ora is also used in the common Italian idiom non vedo l’ora, which means “I can’t wait” or “I look forward to.”
- Non vedo l’ora che arrivi l’estate – I can’t wait for the summer to arrive
