en el futuro
/en el futuɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "in the future" is translated into Spanish as en el futuro.
en el futuro is used to describe something occurring at a future time.
Meaning: at a future time (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition en (in), the masculine article el (the) and the noun futuro (future).
Which one should you use?
While en el futuro refers to a general time to come, en el futuro próximo is used specifically to mean "in the near future". Additionally, if you want to express that something will happen starting from this moment into the future, de ahora en adelante is often more natural than en el futuro.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression En un futuro cercano is used to refer to the near future. In Latin American countries, A futuro is frequently used to refer to future events or plans.
How do you pronounce it?
/en el futuɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the concept of the future is often expressed using the present tense when the event is certain or imminent, rather than using en el futuro.
- Spanish has a specific mood called the subjunctive that is frequently used when talking about the future to express doubt, desire or uncertainty.
- The word futuro is a direct borrowing from the Latin futūrus, which is a participle meaning 'about to be'.
Examples in context
- Tengo fe en el futuro.I have faith in the future.This sentence shows how to express having faith in the future using en el futuro.Tatoeba #1683615 by marcelostockle, translation #1682692 by Spamster
- ¿Qué quieres ser en el futuro?What do you want to be in the future?This sentence uses en el futuro to ask about someone's future goals.Tatoeba #985583 by hayastan, translation #267477 by CK
- ¿Qué querés hacer en el futuro?What do you want to do in the future?This sentence uses en el futuro to ask what someone wants to do in the future.Tatoeba #1359234 by hayastan, translation #15992 by CK
- En el futuro, implementaremos medidas más estrictas para cuidar el medio ambiente.In the future, we will adopt stricter measures to protect the environment.
- Estoy emocionado por lo que está por venir.I'm excited for what is to come.
- A futuro, planeo estudiar medicina.In the future, I plan to study medicine.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing their career goals.
- Alejandro¿Qué planes tienes para tu carrera en el futuro?What plans do you have for your career in the future?
- LucíaQuiero trabajar en una empresa internacional.I want to work in an international company.
- AlejandroEs un objetivo excelente para ti, Lucía.That is an excellent goal for you, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, espero lograrlo.Thanks, Alejandro, I hope to achieve it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in the future” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, en, futuro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
