¡Hola! Are you eager to learn how to say “now” in Spanish? In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this concept in both formal and informal contexts. With these tips and examples, you’ll be able to confidently use the word “now” in your conversations. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Now” in Spanish
When you want to express “now” formally in Spanish, you have a few options at your disposal.
a) Ahora
The most common and versatile word for “now” in Spanish is “ahora.” It can be used in various contexts and belongs to the neutral register. Here are a few examples:
Ahora tengo que salir. (Now I have to leave.)
Necesito los informes ahora mismo. (I need the reports right now.)
Por favor, atiéndame ahora. (Please assist me now.)
b) En este momento
If you want to add a touch of formality, you can use the expression “en este momento.” Although it is more elaborate, it carries a similar meaning to “now.” Consider these examples:
En este momento, no estamos disponibles. (We are not available at the moment.)
El gerente está ocupado en este momento. (The manager is busy right now.)
Podemos discutir esos detalles en este momento. (We can discuss those details at this time.)
c) Actualmente
In some cases, you might want to emphasize that something is happening “now” while highlighting its current nature. For this purpose, “actualmente” can be used:
Actualmente, estoy trabajando en un nuevo proyecto. (Currently, I’m working on a new project.)
El mercado actualmente es muy competitivo. (The market is currently very competitive.)
Estas técnicas son ampliamente utilizadas actualmente. (These techniques are widely used at present.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Now” in Spanish
When it comes to informal settings, Spanish offers several options to express “now” more casually.
a) Ahorita
“Ahorita” is a common word used in many Spanish-speaking regions to mean “right now.” It conveys a sense of immediacy and informality:
Voy a llamarte ahorita. (I’m going to call you right now.)
Ahorita no puedo, estoy ocupado. (I can’t right now; I’m busy.)
Llego ahorita, dame solo unos minutos. (I’ll be there in a sec, just give me a few minutes.)
b) Ya
In some regions, “ya” is commonly used as a casual and colloquial way to convey “now.” It carries a sense of urgency or completion:
Ya entiendo, no lo repitas. (I get it now, don’t repeat it.)
Terminé el trabajo ya. (I finished the work already.)
Ya vamos a tomar el café. (We’re about to have coffee now.)
3. Regional Variations
While the aforementioned words are understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s worth noting that regional variations exist.
a) Justo ahora (Mexico)
In Mexico, a phrase commonly used to mean “right now” is “justo ahora.” This expression denotes an immediate action:
Voy a salir justo ahora. (I’m going to leave right now.)
Justo ahora me di cuenta de mi error. (I just realized my mistake now.)
No puedo hablar ahora, estoy ocupado justo ahora. (I can’t talk now, I’m busy at this very moment.)
b) Ahorita mismo (Colombia, Venezuela, and Central America)
In Colombia, Venezuela, and Central America, people often use the phrase “ahorita mismo” to mean “right now” or “this very instant.” It adds further emphasis to the immediate nature of the action:
Necesito el informe ahorita mismo. (I need the report right now.)
Vamos a resolver el problema ahorita mismo. (We’ll solve the problem this very instant.)
Ya estoy yendo, ahorita mismo llego. (I’m already on my way, I’ll be there in a moment.)
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “now” in Spanish. Remember, “ahora” is the standard way to express “now” in most situations, whether formal or informal. However, if you want to add a bit of formality, “en este momento” and “actualmente” can be great alternatives.
In informal settings, you can rely on “ahorita” or “ya” to convey “now” more casually. Just be mindful of regional variations such as “justo ahora” in Mexico or “ahorita mismo” in Colombia, Venezuela, and Central America.
Practice using these expressions, paying attention to the context and the formality of your conversations, and you will soon master the art of expressing “now” in Spanish!
