en un rato
/en un ɾato/from spelling rules
The English phrase "in a bit" is translated into Spanish as en un rato.
Used to indicate that something will happen after a short period of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "in a while", where un rato refers to a short period of time.
Which one should you use?
You may also see en un ratito. Using the form en un ratito emphasizes that the wait will be even shorter.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the diminutive suffix -ito to rato creates en un ratito, which emphasizes that the wait will be even shorter.
How do you pronounce it?
/en un ɾato/
Did you know?
- The word rato shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'rapture', as both originate from the Latin word raptus.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying en un rato is a polite social tool used to avoid saying 'no' or to signal a delay that may actually last several hours.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, using the diminutive en un ratito doesn't just mean the time is shorter, it can also be used as a way to sound more polite or gentle when asking someone to wait.
Examples in context
- Señorita, ¿puede atenderme en un momento, por favor?Miss, can you assist me in a bit, please?
- Me encuentro en una llamada importante, vuelva en un momento.I'm on an important call, come back in a bit.
- Espérame en la puerta del cine, llegaré en un ratito.Wait for me at the cinema entrance, I'll be there in a bit.
- Espera aquí, vuelvo en un pis-pas.Wait here, I'll be back in a bit.
- Ponte listo, salimos en un pis-pas.Get ready, we're leaving in a bit.
- Ve preparando todo, vuelvo en un santiamén.Start getting everything ready, I'll be back in a bit.
- Termino de ducharme y salimos en un santiamén.I'll finish showering and we'll leave in a bit.
- Nos vemos en un rato.See you in a bit.
- Llego a casa en un rato.I'll be home in a bit.
- La película empieza en un rato.The movie starts in a bit.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking on the phone before meeting at a cafe.
- Javier¿Dónde estás, Lucía?Where are you, Lucía?
- LucíaEstaré allí en un rato.I will be there in a bit.
- JavierEstá bien, te espero.Okay, I'll wait for you.
- LucíaGracias, Javier.Thanks, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, rato, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
