allora

If you learn only one Italian filler word, make it this one. Allora literally means "at that time" or "then," but Italians use it constantly to gather their thoughts, change the subject, or gently call a room to order.

A teacher claps her hands: "Allora!" — right, let's begin. A friend pauses mid-story: "allora…" — let me think. It buys you a moment and makes you sound, instantly, a little more Italian.

It's also the name of this blog — because half of every good conversation in Italy starts with it.