a eso de
/a ˈeso de/
The English phrase 'around a time' is translated into Spanish as a eso de.
a eso de is used to indicate that an event happens at approximately a specific time. It is used specifically to express approximation in time rather than to describe a general physical location.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, a eso de can be understood as 'at that of' when referring to a point in time.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use the term sobre to convey the meaning of 'around' when discussing time.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to hours, a eso de is typically followed by the feminine plural article las. Note that this rule applies to all hours except for one o'clock.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈeso de/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, using sobre instead of a eso de can be ambiguous because sobre also means 'about' in the sense of a topic or 'on top of' a physical surface.
- The word eso comes from the Latin word ipsum, which is the neuter form of ipse, meaning 'self'.
- Although a eso de uses the word de (from), it does not function as a preposition of origin, but rather functions as a marker of approximation.
Examples in context
- La reunión comenzará alrededor de las 3 de la tarde.The meeting will start around 3 PM.
- Habrá un eclipse solar alrededor del mediodía.There will be a solar eclipse around noon.
- Vamos a almorzar más o menos a la 1.We're going to have lunch around 1 o'clock.
- La fiesta empieza como a las 9 de la noche.The party starts around 9 PM.
- Llegaré cerca de las 5 de la tarde.I'll arrive around 5 PM.
- Iré al cine sobre las 8 de la noche.I'll go to the movies around 8 PM.
- La conferencia comienza sobre las 10 de la mañana.The conference starts around 10 AM.
- Salimos del trabajo a eso de las 6.We leave work around 6 o'clock.
- La entrega se realizará a eso del mediodía.The delivery will take place around noon.
- a eso de las tresAround three o'clock
- Nos vemos a eso de las seis.We'll see each other around six.
- Llegaré a eso de las ocho.I will arrive around eight.
- La película empieza a eso de las nueve.The movie starts around nine.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are planning to meet for dinner.
- Daniel¿A qué hora nos reunimos?What time are we meeting?
- ElenaPodemos vernos a eso de las siete.We can meet around seven.
- DanielPerfecto, allí estaré.Perfect, I will be there.
- ElenaMuy bien, hasta luego, Daniel.Very well, see you later, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a eso de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, de, eso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
