minutos restantes
/minutos ɾestantes/from spelling rules
The phrase 'minutes left' in Spanish is translated as minutos restantes.
minutos restantes is used to describe the amount of time remaining before a deadline or the end of an event. In natural, everyday speech, speakers often use the verb quedar to express this, such as in the phrase quedan cinco minutos (there are five minutes left) or nos quedan diez minutos (we have ten minutes left). You can also use the construction faltan to indicate time is missing, as in faltan cinco minutos (five minutes are left).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of minutos (minutes) and restantes (remaining or left).
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to only one minute, both the noun and the adjective must be singular: minuto restante. Related time units include hora (hour), día (day), semana (week), mes (month) and año (year). To track these, you might use a reloj (clock/watch).
How do you pronounce it?
/minutos ɾestantes/
Did you know?
- The verb quedar used for 'minutes left' is the same word used to describe a 'date' or 'appointment' between two people, as both involve the idea of 'staying' or 'settling' at a certain time.
- The word minuto comes from the Latin minutus, meaning 'small'. This is why it shares a root with the English word 'minute' when it describes something very tiny.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask how much time is left for a flight, people might say falta poco rather than specifying minutes.
Examples in context
- Tenemos cinco minutos restantes en la reunión.We have five minutes left in the meeting.
- Chicos, solo nos quedan quince minutos para llegar al cine.Hey guys, we only have fifteen minutes left to get to the movie theater.
- Quedan veinte minutos para las seisThere are twenty minutes left until six o'clock.
- Solo quedan dos minutos restantes.There are only two minutes remaining.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are finishing a test in class.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿cuántos minutos restantes quedan?Sofía, how many minutes are left?
- SofíaCreo que quedan dos minutos restantes.I think there are two minutes left.
- AlejandroTengo que terminar la última pregunta.I have to finish the last question.
- SofíaApúrate, que el tiempo se acaba.Hurry up, time is running out.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
