Italian · Time, Numbers & Colors
"Sometimes" in Italian: a volte
a volte
Note: also: qualche volta
Sometimes in Italian is a volte (ah VOL-teh). Qualche volta is a close everyday alternative. Place a volte near the verb or at the start: a volte leggo in treno.
Habit chat
A volte lavoro dal bar sotto casa.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce a volte
Say it
ah VOL-teh
/a ˈvol.te/
A volte is ah VOL-teh. Stress VOL. The final e is light, not a separate 'ay' English sound.
"Sometimes" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| a volte | sometimes Default phrase—use both words. | Default phrase—use both words. |
| qualche volta | sometimes / once in a while Very common twin. | Very common twin. |
| di tanto in tanto | from time to time A bit less often. | A bit less often. |
| ogni tanto | every now and then Casual frequency. | Casual frequency. |
How to use a volte in real life
- 1Habit chat
A volte lavoro dal bar sotto casa.
Sometimes I work from the café downstairs.
Full phrase a volte at the start.
- 2Weather
A volte a marzo nevica ancora.
Sometimes in March it still snows.
A volte before a time phrase.
- 3Food mood
A volte preferisco la pasta al riso.
Sometimes I prefer pasta to rice.
A volte with preferisco.
Mistakes English speakers make with a volte
Incorrect: Volte vado al cinema.
Correct: A volte vado al cinema.
Keep the full phrase a volte.
Incorrect: A volta mangio fuori.
Correct: A volte mangio fuori.
Volte is plural in this fixed phrase.
Good to know
A volte and qualche volta swap freely in speech. Italians also shrug with dipende for soft frequency. Writing often keeps a volte at the sentence start for rhythm.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Comparing weekend habits
ChatPal
A volte esci anche la domenica sera?
Do you sometimes go out Sunday evenings too?
You
A volte sì, se gli amici organizzano qualcosa.
Sometimes yes, if friends organise something.
ChatPal
Io a volte resto a casa con un film.
I sometimes stay home with a film.
You
Capito. A volte serve proprio una serata quieta.
Got it. Sometimes you really need a quiet evening.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Sometimes" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Sometimes" in Italian
A volte or qualche volta?
Both mean sometimes; both are everyday.
Where do I put it?
Start of the sentence or near the verb.
Is volta singular ever ok?
Not in this phrase—say a volte.
Stronger than sometimes?
Spesso = often; raramente = rarely.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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