Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ahora | /aˈoɾa/ | |
| agora | /aˈɡoɾa/ | alternative form |
ahora is the most common and versatile word for "now" and belongs to a neutral register. To express the urgency of "right now" or "immediately", you can use the phrase ahora mismo. In some contexts, ahora can also function as a conjunction meaning "since" or "because" or as an interjection used as a signal to begin. To emphasize that something is currently happening, the word actualmente (currently) may be used. To convey a sense of immediacy in an informal way, many regions use ahorita to mean "right now".
Which one should you use?
While ahora refers generally to the present time, the word ya is used when you want to emphasize that an action is already happening or should happen immediately. Additionally, ahorita is a common informal way to say "right now".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, Venezuela and Central America, the phrase ahorita mismo is often used to mean "right now" or "this very instant".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you need to use "now" as a conjunction meaning "now that" (for example, "Now that I am here…"), use the phrase ahora que.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈoɾa/
Did you know?
- The word ahora is actually a contraction of the Latin phrase hāc hōrā, which literally means 'at this hour'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, ahorita can be paradoxical because it can mean 'right now' or 'in a little while' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Ahora ya lo sé.I know now.This sentence shows how to use ahora to express knowing something at the present time.Tatoeba #11883309 by Seael, translation #3330273 by CK
- Es ahora o nunca.It's now or never.This sentence uses ahora in a common idiomatic expression meaning "now or never".Tatoeba #564601 by Shishir, translation #241628 by CK
- Ahora sé por qué.Now I know why.This sentence demonstrates the use of ahora to indicate the timing of understanding a reason.Tatoeba #1903587 by marcelostockle, translation #1898291 by CK
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ya entiendo, no lo repitas.I get it now, don't repeat it.
- Ya vamos a tomar el café.We're about to have coffee now.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2213 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young man and woman are deciding when to eat.
- Daniel¿Quieres comer ahora?Do you want to eat now?
- LucíaNo, prefiero esperar un poco.No, I prefer to wait a bit.
- DanielEstá bien, no hay problema.That's fine, no problem.
- LucíaGracias, Daniel.Thanks, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “now” translations and entries ahora, agora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agora, ahora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
