Time Expressions

Time Expressions in Spanish

Time expressions are an integral part of Spanish grammar. They help establish when events happened, are happening, or will happen. Fluency in these expressions is crucial for effective communication in Spanish.

Present Time Expressions

• Use “ahora” for “now”.
• “Hoy” means “today”.
• “Cada día” translates to “every day” and “todos los días” means the same.
• For remarks about routine or habitual actions, use “siempre” for “always”.

Past Time Expressions

• Use “ayer” for “yesterday”.
• “Hace (time)” is utilised to state “ago”. E.g., “hace dos días” means “two days ago”.
• For last week, use “la semana pasada”.
• “Alguna vez” can be used to say “ever”, as in, “Have you ever…?”

Future Time Expressions

• For tomorrow, use “mañana”.
• “Próximo” is used for “next”, as in “próxima semana” for “next week”.
• Use “más tarde” for “later”.

General Time Expressions

• “Siempre” means “always”.
• “Sometimes” is translated as “a veces”.
• “Never” is “nunca” in Spanish.
• “Already” is conveyed as “ya” while “yet” or “still” is translated as “todavía” or “aún”.

Time Duration

• “Durante” is used to indicate during or for when referencing duration.
• “Desde…hasta” is used for “from…until”.

With careful study and practice, these time expressions can be mastered, and Spanish communication skills significantly improved.