Allora or Dunque?

Hi,

I know neither of these really mean anything apart from filling a gap in a sentence or, at most, "well .." but is dunque used much? I see it in the lessons but I was recently in Italy and only heard it once whereas I heard allora everywhere.

Cheers,
​Drew

Hi Drew,

Dunque is used in the spoken language, but not as much as allora.
They have a precise meaning, though (more than one, actually).

Dunque translates so.
Pioveva, dunque sono rimasto a casa.
It was raining, so I stayed at home.

Allora translates so and at that time.
Pioveva, allora sono rimasto a casa.
It was raining, so I stayed at home.
Allora ero ancora un bambino.
At that time I was still a kid.

Of course you can also use both to continue a conversation:
Allora/dunque, andiamo avanti...
Well then, let's go on...

Hope this helps! :)

Lucia
 

It does, thanks Lucia!