How to Say “Now” in Spanish

Ways to say it

Ahora is an adverb used to describe things happening at the present time. To add emphasis and indicate that something must happen at this very moment, you can use the phrase ahora mismo (right now). In a different context, the phrase ahora bien acts as a transition meaning 'now' in the sense of 'however' or 'nevertheless' when introducing a contrasting point. Additionally, ahora can function as a conjunction meaning 'since' or 'because'.

Which one should you use?

While ahora refers to the present time, the word ya is often used to mean 'now' when the sense is 'already' or to signal that an action is starting immediately.

Is it said differently in some regions?

Ahorita is a common informal term used in Latin America to mean 'right now'.

Related words

Since, because (conj): ahora.

Signal to begin (intj): ahora, ya.

How does it change in a sentence?

When you want to use 'now' as a conjunction to mean 'now that' (expressing a specific reason or circumstance), use the phrase ahora que.

How do you pronounce it?

/aˈoɾa/