dame un momento
/dame un momento/from spelling rules
The phrase "give me one moment" in Spanish is dame un momento.
dame un momento is a polite request for a short amount of time before the speaker can respond or act. In many situations, such as answering a phone or a door, it is more natural to simply say un momento, por favor rather than using the full verb phrase.
Which one should you use?
The phrase dame un segundo (give me a second) is a very common alternative that carries the same meaning and is used interchangeably with dame un momento. You may also use espere un momento (wait a moment) to express the same intent by using the verb esperar (to wait) instead of dar (to give).
How do you pronounce it?
/dame un momento/
Did you know?
- The word momento comes from the Latin mōmentum, which described the small movement of a balance scale. It originally referred to a tiny shift in weight that could tip the scale, rather than a unit of time.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying un momento can be an optimistic estimate. Depending on the context, it may actually imply a wait of several minutes rather than a few seconds.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear people say dame un ratico instead of un momento. The word ratico is a diminutive of 'rato', a colloquial term for a period of time.
Examples in context
- Un momento, por favor.One moment, please.
- Perdóneme un momento.Excuse me for a moment.
- Espera un momento.Wait a moment.
- Dame un segundo.Give me a second.
- Espérame un momentito.Wait for me for a little moment.
- Permítame un momento,Allow me a moment,
- Dame un momento, por favor.Give me one moment, please.
- Dame un momento para revisar el correo.Give me one moment to check the email.
- Dame un momento para buscar mis llaves.Give me one moment to look for my keys.
Example conversation
Javier is looking for a document while talking to María.
- JavierMaría, ¿tienes el informe listo?María, do you have the report ready?
- MaríaSí, pero dame un momento para abrir el archivo.Yes, but give me one moment to open the file.
- JavierNo hay problema, tómate tu tiempo.No problem, take your time.
- MaríaListo, aquí lo tienes.Ready, here it is.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries momento, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
