Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| todo el tiempo | /todo el tjempo/ (from spelling rules) |
| todo el rato | /ˌtodo el ˈrato/ |
| en todo momento | /en ˌtodo moˈmento/ |
These phrases are used to express that an action or state happens constantly, habitually or continuously. While todo el tiempo is the most versatile and common option, other variations exist depending on the desired tone or specific context of the duration.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase todo el tiempo is composed of todo (all), el (the) and tiempo (time).
Which one should you use?
Todo el rato is a colloquial way to describe a continuous duration or a repetitive occurrence within a specific period. In contrast, en todo momento is more formal and typically conveys the meaning of "at every moment" or "at all times," often used in a continuous, vigilant or official sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the colloquial expression a cada rato is used to mean all the time. In Mexico, instead of using constantemente, speakers often use the word seguido or the phrase de seguido to convey the same idea.
Did you know?
- When you use the phrase todo el rato, you are using a word that shares an ancestor with the English word 'rapture'.
Examples in context
- Llueve todo el tiempo.It is raining all the time.This sentence shows how to describe a weather condition occurring with todo el tiempo.Tatoeba #1082766 by Shishir, translation #26710 by CK
- Lo digo todo el tiempo.I say it all the time.This sentence uses todo el tiempo to describe a habitual verbal action.Tatoeba #1617598 by Shishir, translation #66081 by CK
- Mienten todo el tiempo.They lie all the time.This sentence uses todo el tiempo to describe a repetitive action by others.Tatoeba #9936737 by Shishir, translation #3819715 by CK
- Mi mamá está preocupada porque siempre olvido mis llaves.My mom is worried because I always forget my keys.
- Tengo que cuidar constantemente mi dieta para mantener un peso saludable.I have to constantly watch my diet to maintain a healthy weight.
- La televisión está encendida todo el tiempo en mi casa.The TV is on all the time in my house.
- ¿Por qué siempre estás comiendo todo el tiempo?Why are you always eating all the time?
- Siempre me estás molestando.You're always bothering me.
- Siempre vamos al mismo restaurante.We always go to the same restaurant.
- Mi hermano está en el teléfono a cada rato.My brother is on the phone all the time.
- Se me olvidan las cosas a cada rato.I forget things all the time.
- 105 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about their friend's busy schedule.
- María¿Viste a Pablo hoy?Did you see Pablo today?
- JavierNo, él estudia todo el tiempo.No, he studies all the time.
- MaríaEs cierto, es un estudiante muy aplicado.It's true, he is a very hardworking student.
- JavierSí, su vida es muy agotadora.Yes, his life is very exhausting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “all the time” translations and entries todo el tiempo, todo el rato, en todo momento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, en, momento, rato, tiempo, todo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
