a cierta hora
/a θjeɾta oɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "at a certain time" is translated into Spanish as a cierta hora.
a cierta hora is used to refer to a specific, though perhaps unnamed, point in time. Although the word hora literally means "hour," it is the standard way to express "a certain time" when referring to a point on the clock. To specify the time of day using a 12-hour clock, you can use de la mañana (in the morning), de la tarde (in the afternoon or evening) or de la noche (at night). If you are expressing a general time of day rather than a specific point on the clock, use por la mañana (in the morning), por la tarde (in the afternoon) or por la noche (at night).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition a (at), the adjective cierta (certain) and the noun hora (hour/time).
How do you pronounce it?
/a θjeɾta oɾa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying a cierta hora can be a polite way of avoiding a firm commitment to a precise time.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word hora is used to describe a specific appointment or event, such as tengo una hora con el médico, which means 'I have an appointment with the doctor'.
- In Spanish, the word hora can be used to describe a 'critical moment' or 'the hour of truth' using the phrase la hora de la verdad.
Examples in context
- La reunión comenzará a una hora específica.The meeting will start at a specific hour.
- La conferencia comenzará a las nueve.The conference will start at nine.
- Nos encontramos a una hora determinada en el parque.We'll meet at a specific time in the park.
- Quedemos a eso de las siete en el restaurante.Let's meet around seven at the restaurant.
- La cita médica es a las diez de la mañana.The doctor's appointment is at ten in the morning.
- La fiesta empieza por la noche.The party starts at night.
- Llegará a cierta hora.He/she will arrive at a certain time.
- Debemos llegar a cierta hora.We must arrive at a certain time.
- Ella siempre entra a cierta hora.She always enters at a certain time.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are planning a meeting.
- ElenaNecesitamos reunirnos a cierta hora mañana.We need to meet at a certain time tomorrow.
- Javier¿A qué hora quieres decir, Elena?What time do you mean, Elena?
- ElenaA las diez de la mañana, Javier.At ten in the morning, Javier.
- JavierEstá bien, nos vemos entonces.Alright, see you then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
