a tiempo
/a ˈtjempo/
The English phrase 'at time' is translated into Spanish as a tiempo.
This phrase is used to describe something arriving or happening at a scheduled or expected time. It can function both as 'on time' (being punctual) and as 'in time' (arriving early enough to avoid a problem or to catch something).
Which one should you use?
While a tiempo covers both 'on time' and 'in time', do not use it to mean 'at the same time'. If you want to describe simultaneous actions, use a la vez or al mismo tiempo instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial phrase, a tiempo is invariable. It does not change its form to agree with the gender or number of the subject in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈtjempo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, arriving a tiempo for a social party might actually be considered too early or even rude, as the host may still be preparing.
- The word tiempo shares the same ancient root as the English word 'temperature', as both trace back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to stretch'.
- The word tiempo is used in Spanish to describe both the passage of hours and the weather.
Examples in context
- La reunión comenzará en el momento indicado.The meeting will start at the appointed time.
- La conferencia está programada para iniciar a la hora señalada.The conference is scheduled to start at the appointed time.
- Quedamos en encontrarnos a la hora acordada.We agreed to meet at the agreed-upon time.
- Llegué a tiempo para el concierto.I arrived on time for the concert.
- Llegamos a tiempo para la reunión.We arrived on time for the meeting.
- El tren llegó a tiempo.The train arrived on time.
- Debes entregar el informe a tiempo.You must submit the report on time.
- Gracias por venir a tiempo.Thank you for coming on time.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are waiting for a movie to start.
- DanielQué bueno que llegaste a tiempo, María.It's great that you arrived on time, María.
- MaríaSí, no quería perderme el inicio.Yes, I didn't want to miss the beginning.
- DanielEl cine suele empezar la función a tiempo.The cinema usually starts the show on time.
- MaríaEntonces ya podemos comprar las palomitas.Then we can buy the popcorn now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
