tener una cita
/teneɾ una θita/from spelling rules
To go on a date in Spanish is tener una cita.
The phrase is used to describe the act of going out with someone romantically to spend time together. You may also use salir con alguien if you want to emphasize the act of 'going out' with a person rather than the existence of the scheduled meeting itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tener una cita literally translates to 'to have an appointment' or 'to have a date'.
Which one should you use?
While una cita is used for romantic dates, it is also the standard term for a professional appointment, such as one with a doctor or a lawyer.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you are currently going on a date, Spanish speakers often use the present tense, such as tengo una cita (I have a date).
How do you pronounce it?
/teneɾ una θita/
Did you know?
- The word cita shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'cite', as both stem from the concept of 'calling' or 'summoning' someone.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a cita is not always a one-on-one encounter but can involve a group of friends to reduce pressure.
- While tener una cita is romantic, the verb citar can be used in a formal context to mean 'to quote' a text or author.
Examples in context
- He concertado una cita para mañanaI have arranged a date for tomorrow
- Quiero tener una cita con ella.I want to go on a date with her.
- ¿Quieres tener una cita conmigo el sábado?Do you want to go on a date with me on Saturday?
- Ellos van a tener una cita esta noche.They are going to go on a date tonight.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking about their weekend plans.
- Lucía¿Quieres tener una cita este sábado?Do you want to go on a date this Saturday?
- JavierSí, me encantaría, Lucía.Yes, I would love to, Lucía.
- Lucía¿A dónde quieres ir, Javier?Where do you want to go, Javier?
- JavierPodemos ir al cine.We can go to the movies.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cita, tener, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
