momento
/moˈmento/masculine
The English word "moment" translates to Spanish as momento. Wiktionary also lists instante.
Meaning: very brief period of time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| momento | /moˈmento/ | masculine |
| instante | /insˈtante/ | masculine |
Both momento and instante refer to a very brief period of time. You can use the phrase en un momento to say "in a moment" and en el momento adecuado to say "at the right moment". Additionally, the phrase un momento is a common, polite way to ask someone to wait or to pause a conversation.
Which one should you use?
While momento is the standard word for a moment, instante is often used in more formal or literary contexts to emphasize an even shorter, more precise point in time.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something will happen very soon, use the preposition en before un momento.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈmento/
Did you know?
- The word momento is used in Spanish physics to describe 'momentum', showing that the word describes both a point in time and a quantity of motion.
- In some dialects, adding the word ahorita instead of momento changes the phrase from a polite request to a vague promise that something may never actually happen.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying un momento can actually imply a much longer wait than a literal minute, acting as a polite social buffer.
Examples in context
- Me iré en un momento.I'll go in a moment.This example shows how to use momento to indicate an action happening in a moment.Tatoeba #6639109 by arh, translation #9855513 by DJ_Saidez
- Dame sólo un momento.Just give me a moment.This sentence uses momento to ask for a brief period of time.Tatoeba #6842396 by arh, translation #6841580 by CK
- Un momento, por favor.Just a moment, please.This sentence demonstrates the polite use of momento to ask someone to wait.Tatoeba #1327449 by hayastan, translation #39968 by CK
- Espere un momento, por favor.Please wait a moment.
- Espérame un rato, llegaré pronto.Wait for me a moment, I'll arrive soon.
- Dame un segundo, tengo que contestar esta llamada.Give me a second, I have to answer this call.
- Espera un momentito, necesito buscar mis llaves.Wait a little moment, I need to find my keys.
- 279 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are sitting in a cafe discussing a recent trip.
- Lucía¿Te gustó el viaje, Daniel?Did you like the trip, Daniel?
- DanielSí, cada momento fue increíble.Yes, every moment was incredible.
- Lucía¿Cuál fue tu momento favorito?What was your favorite moment?
- DanielVer el amanecer en la playa.Watching the sunrise on the beach.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moment” translations and entries momento, instante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
