momentos
/momentos/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'moments' is translated into Spanish as momentos.
momentos is used to refer to short periods of time. A common way to express that something will happen shortly is to use the phrase en unos momentos, which means 'in a few moments' or 'in a little bit'.
Which one should you use?
While momentos is the standard term, you might use other words depending on your intent. Instantes emphasizes brief and defined moments, often in formal contexts. For important or significant moments, you can use ocasiones. If you want to express excitement, the superlative form momentazos adds emphasis and excitement to the idea of moments. For a more affectionate or friendly tone, the diminutive momentitos can be used to mean 'little moments'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the colloquial term ratos is often used to refer to stretches of time when sharing experiences.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is momento, and the plural form is momentos.
How do you pronounce it?
/momentos/
Did you know?
- In physics and engineering, the word momento is used as the technical term for 'torque', referring to the rotational force applied to an object.
- The word momento is a cognate with the English 'moment', but both trace back to the Latin momentum, which originally meant 'movement' or 'a moving thing'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using the diminutive momentito acts as a 'linguistic cushion' that often signals a wait much longer than a literal few seconds.
Examples in context
- Es uno de esos momentos.It's one of those moments.This sentence shows how to use momentos to identify a specific type of time.Tatoeba #1522688 by marcelostockle, translation #1522391 by Spamster
- Estaré listo en unos momentos.I'll be ready in a few moments.This sentence demonstrates the common phrase en unos momentos to indicate a short wait.Tatoeba #1218730 by marcelostockle, translation #953792 by CK
- Hubo unos momentos de confusión.There were a few moments of confusion.This sentence illustrates how momentos can be used to describe a period of a specific state or feeling.Tatoeba #2268695 by cueyayotl, translation #2268694 by _undertoad
- En estos momentos estamos analizando la situaciónWe are currently analyzing the situation
- En estos instantes, se firmará el contratoThe contract will be signed in these moments
- Estos momentitos a tu lado son especialesThese little moments with you are special
- ¡Qué momentazos vivimos en ese viaje!What amazing moments we had on that trip!
- Disfrutemos estos momentos juntosLet's enjoy these moments together
- En este instante, el público aplaudió de manera entusiastaIn this moment, the audience applauded enthusiastically
- Siempre recordaré aquellos instantes mágicosI will always remember those magical moments
- Vamos a pasar ratos inolvidables en este viajeWe are going to have unforgettable moments on this trip
- Los momentitos con mis hijos son los más especialesThe little moments with my children are the most special
- ¡Qué momentazo vivimos en aquella fiesta!What an amazing moment we had at that party!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about their recent vacation.
- Elena¿Te gustaron tus vacaciones?Did you like your vacation?
- JavierSí, fueron momentos inolvidables.Yes, they were unforgettable moments.
- ElenaMe alegro mucho por ti, Javier.I am very happy for you, Javier.
- JavierGracias, Elena, de verdad lo necesité.Thanks, Elena, I really needed it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
