🚫1️⃣⏱️

How to Say ‘No, it's the first time.’ in Italian

No, è la prima volta.

noh eh lah PREE-mah VOL-tah

[noh eh lah PREE-mah VOL-tah]

💬 Usage Tip: Volta means "time" as in an occasion, not clock time, which is ora. Compare due volte "twice".

Phrase Breakdown

No, è la prima

noh eh lah PREE-mah

No, it's the first

Make a short pause after 'No', then continue smoothly.

Example

No, è la prima settimana.

No, it's the first week.

Words in this phrase

[noh]

A negative response or denial.

Example

Purtroppo, il tassista ha detto 'No'.

Unfortunately, the taxi driver said 'No'.

[eh]

it is / is

Verb 'to be' used to identify or emphasize something important.

Example

È proprio questo il punto forte dell'azienda secondo molti dipendenti.

This is exactly the company's strong point according to many employees.

[lah]

the

The feminine singular definite article, used before nouns like 'cultura.'

Example

"La" cultura di questa impresa mi interessa molto.

"The" culture of this company interests me a lot.

prima

[PREE-mah]

first

Feminine form of 'primo', meaning first.

Example

È la prima visita.

It's the first visit.

volta.

VOL-tah

time.

An occurrence, as in 'the first time'. Stress 'VOL'.

Example

Un'altra volta.

Another time.

Words in this phrase

volta

[VOL-tah]

time (occasion)

An instance or occasion, as in 'first time'.

Example

Vengo una volta al mese.

I come once a month.

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.”

Grace P., 34, Food Writer

“Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business roleplays gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.”

Daniel F., 45, Architect

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer