The following time expressions can be used when talking about actions which happened in the past:
L' altro giorno
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The other day, not clear exactly what day: we use a past tense.
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L' altro giorno ho incontrato Andrea al supermercato.
The other day I met Andrea at the supermarket.
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Last week: we use a past tense.
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La settimana scorsa sono andata a Roma.
Last week I went to Rome.
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Next week: we use a present tense or a future tense.
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La settimana prossima c'è / ci sarà l' esame.
There is an exam next week.
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Last month: we use a past tense.
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Il mese scorso ho cambiato lavoro.
I changed jobs last month.
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Next month: we use a present or future tense.
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Il mese prossimo inizia la primavera.
Spring starts next month.
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Last year: we use a past tense.
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L' anno scorso mi sono laureata
/ mi laureai.
I graduated last year.
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Next year: we use a present or future tense.
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L' anno prossimo devo cambiare casa.
I have to move house next year.
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A short time ago: we use a past tense.
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Poco fa ho parlato con Carla.
I spoke to Carla a short time ago. |
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Adesso -
Ora -
In questo momento
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Now - at the moment: a period which is continuing at the time of speaking.
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Marta in questo momento sta studiando.
Marta is studying at the moment. |
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un giorno
una settimana
un mese
un anno
poco
un po' |
In a day's time, in a week, in a month, in a year: we use the present or future tense.
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Fra una settimana nascerà il figlio di Barbara e Luca.
In a week Barbara and Luca's baby will be born.
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All day: we use present, past or future tenses.
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Oggi ho lavorato tutto il giorno.
Today I've worked all day.
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All night: we use present past or future tenses.
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Sono stata tutta la notte in ospedale.
I was in hospital all night.
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Tutta la settimana - Tutto
il mese - Tutto
l' anno
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all week - all month - all year: we use present past or future tenses.
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Starò fuori tutta la settimana.
I'm going to be away all week.
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See also:
Italian Course: Unit 8 Time expressions
Italian exercises Adverbs and time expressions
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