ahora
/aˈoɾa/
The Spanish word for "now" is ahora.
ahora is used to refer to the present time or a moment very close to it. To intensify the meaning and indicate the exact present moment or an immediate action, you can use the phrase ahora mismo, which means "right now". While ahora refers to the present, it is distinct from antes (before) or después (after).
Which one should you use?
While ahora is the standard way to say "now", other phrases provide different nuances of immediacy or formality. For instance, adding mismo to create ahora mismo emphasizes that something is happening right this second.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase Al toque is used to mean "right away" or "immediately". In Latin America, the informal term Ahorita is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈoɾa/
Did you know?
- While ahora is universal, the variation ahorita can be deceptive because in some cultures it means 'in a little while' rather than 'right now'.
- The word ahora is actually a contraction of the Latin phrase hāc hōrā, which means 'at this hour'.
Examples in context
- Actualmente, estoy estudiando medicina.Currently, I am studying medicine.
- Voy a salir ahorita mismo.I'm going to leave right this minute.
- Necesito esa información en este momento.I need that information right now.
- Ahora es el momento.Now is the moment.
- Ahora mismo tengo mucho trabajo.Right now I have a lot of work.
- No puedo hablar ahora.I cannot talk now.
- ¿Qué quieres hacer ahora?What do you want to do now?
Example conversation
María and Mateo are deciding when to start dinner.
- María¿Quieres cocinar ahora, Mateo?Do you want to cook now, Mateo?
- MateoNo, prefiero esperar un poco.No, I prefer to wait a bit.
- MaríaEstá bien, yo empezaré ahora.That's fine, I will start now.
- MateoGracias, María. Te ayudo pronto.Thanks, María. I will help you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ahora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
