entonces
/enˈtonθes/
The Spanish word entonces translates to 'then' or 'so' in English.
entonces is used to indicate a logical consequence or to transition to the next point in a conversation. It can function as 'then' or 'so' in English.
Which one should you use?
In English, 'then' can refer to a specific point in time (at that time) or a logical result (consequently). entonces covers both of these meanings: it can be used to refer to a previous time or to indicate a logical consequence.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈtonθes/
Did you know?
- When used as a question ¿entonces?, the word can function as a prompt meaning 'so, what happens now?' or 'what is the verdict?', often used to pressure someone for an answer.
- In some Caribbean dialects, entonces is frequently shortened or blended in rapid speech, sometimes sounding like tonces, which is common in informal spoken Spanish.
- Spanish speakers often use entonces to signal the end of a story or a phone call, acting as a verbal cue that the speaker is about to wrap up the conversation.
Examples in context
- ¡No terminaste tus deberes! Así que, no podrás ver televisión hoy.You didn't finish your homework! So, you won't be able to watch TV today.
- Te espero en el café. ¿Entonces, nos vemos allí?I'll wait for you at the café. So, shall we meet there?
- ¿Entonces qué quieres hacer?So what do you want to do?
- No hay pan, entonces compraré galletas.There is no bread, so I will buy cookies.
- ¿Entonces, quieres ir al cine mañana?So, do you want to go to the cinema tomorrow?
- Estás cansada, entonces deberías descansar.You are tired, so you should rest.
Example conversation
Javier and María are planning their weekend.
- Javier¿Vas a venir a la fiesta?Are you coming to the party?
- MaríaNo puedo, tengo que trabajar.I can't, I have to work.
- JavierEntonces, nos vemos el próximo fin de semana.Then, we will see each other next weekend.
- MaríaSí, me parece perfecto.Yes, that sounds perfect to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry entonces, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
