When learning a new language, it’s important to understand how to express different time frames. Being able to discuss events from the past, such as something that happened “a year ago,” is a vital skill. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “a year ago” in Spanish, along with some tips and examples to help you master this common phrase.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “A Year Ago” in Spanish
Formal Spanish is commonly used in professional settings, academic environments, or when speaking with people you don’t have a close relationship with. To express “a year ago” formally, you can use the following phrases:
- Hace un año: This is the most commonly used phrase to refer to something that happened “a year ago” in formal Spanish. It consists of the verb “hacer” (to do/make) followed by the preposition “un” (one) and the noun “año” (year).
Por ejemplo: Hace un año, comenzamos nuestra colaboración. (A year ago, we started our collaboration.)
Hace un año atrás: This phrase is similar to “hace un año,” but it adds the adverb “atrás” (ago) to reinforce the idea of time passed.
Por ejemplo: Terminé mi maestría hace un año atrás. (I finished my master’s degree a year ago.)
Informal Ways to Say “A Year Ago” in Spanish
Informal Spanish is used among friends, family, and in casual conversations. To express “a year ago” informally, you can use the following phrases:
- Hace un año: The same phrase used in formal Spanish can also be used in informal situations. However, the tone and context will make it clear that you are speaking informally.
Por ejemplo: ¿Recuerdas cuando nos mudamos de casa hace un año? (Do you remember when we moved houses a year ago?)
Hace un año ya: Adding the adverb “ya” (already) after “hace un año” gives a casual touch to the expression, emphasizing the passage of time.
Por ejemplo: ¡No puedo creer que Juan y María se divorciaron hace un año ya! (I can’t believe Juan and María got divorced a year ago already!)
Tips and Examples for Using “A Year Ago” in Spanish
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you use “a year ago” in Spanish effectively:
1. Verb Placement
When expressing “a year ago” in Spanish, it’s important to pay attention to verb placement. The verb “hacer” should come before the number and noun:
Incorrect: Un año hace, visité España. (A year ago, I visited Spain.)
Correct: Hace un año, visité España. (A year ago, I visited Spain.)
2. Use of Time Adverbs
Adverbs such as “ya” (already) or “atrás” (ago) can be used to reinforce the concept of time elapsed:
Incorrect: Comí sushi hace un año. (I ate sushi a year ago.)
Correct: Comí sushi hace un año ya. (I ate sushi a year ago already.)
3. Be Mindful of Context
Understanding the context and relationship between speakers will help you determine whether to use formal or informal language. For example, when speaking to your boss or a respected figure, it’s best to use formal language:
Incorrect: Hace un año, empezaste a trabajar aquí, ¿verdad? (A year ago, you started working here, right?)
Correct: Hace un año, usted comenzó a trabajar aquí, ¿verdad? (A year ago, you started working here, right?)
4. Practice Vocabulary Related to Time
Expand your vocabulary related to time and dates to enhance your ability to discuss past events:
Por ejemplo: ayer (yesterday), la semana pasada (last week), en enero (in January), etc.
With these tips and examples, you’re well on your way to effectively using “a year ago” in Spanish. Remember to adapt your language to the appropriate context and practice using different expressions. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
