questa volta
Lemma: questa volta
Translation: this time; this once; on this occasion (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: Composed of 'questa' (feminine singular demonstrative adjective meaning 'this') and 'volta' (feminine noun meaning 'time' or 'turn'). 'Questa' derives from Latin 'eccum ista' (behold this), while 'volta' comes from Vulgar Latin 'volta', a derivative of Latin 'volvere' (to roll, turn). The phrase literally means 'this turn/time' and is used to indicate the specific current instance.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'questa' as 'this' and 'volta' as 'time' or 'turn' - so it's literally 'this time'.
- Associate 'volta' with 'revolve' (they share the Latin root 'volvere') - each 'volta' is one turn or revolution of events.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common temporal expression in Italian, used in everyday conversation to refer to the current instance of something, often implying a contrast with previous or future occurrences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Questa volta' refers to the current or upcoming instance ('this time'), while 'quella volta' refers to a specific past instance ('that time').
Notes: The distinction follows the same pattern as other demonstratives in Italian, where 'questo/questa' indicates proximity and 'quello/quella' indicates distance.
Mnemonic: 'Questa' points to what's close (this), 'quella' points to what's distant (that).
Explanation: 'Questa volta' is the full form, while 'stavolta' is the contracted form with identical meaning. 'Stavolta' is slightly more informal and commonly used in speech.
Notes: Both forms are completely interchangeable in meaning, though 'questa volta' might appear slightly more formal in writing.
Mnemonic: Think of 'stavolta' as the quick way to say it when speaking fast.