a tiempo
/a ˈtjempo/
The English phrase "on time" is translated into Spanish as a tiempo. Wiktionary also lists a buen punto.
Meaning: punctual or according to schedule (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a tiempo | /a ˈtjempo/ |
| a buen punto | /a bwen punto/ (from spelling rules) |
a tiempo is used to indicate that someone or something is punctual or that a deadline has been met. It can mean both "on time" (punctual) and "in time" (before it is too late).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a tiempo literally translates to "at time".
Which one should you use?
While a tiempo is used for being punctual or meeting a deadline, the phrase a la hora is used specifically for arriving at a scheduled clock time.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
a tiempo can function as an adjective meaning "on time" or as a prepositional phrase meaning "punctually".
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈtjempo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, arriving exactly a la hora for a social gathering at a home is often considered too early or even rude.
- In Spanish, the word tiempo refers to both 'time' and 'weather'.
- The phrase a buen punto can describe not only timing but also the perfect consistency of a sauce or the doneness of a steak.
Examples in context
- Él no vino a tiempo.He didn't come on time.This sentence is useful for showing how to use a tiempo in a negative statement about someone's arrival.Tatoeba #1385608 by Shishir, translation #1229177 by Scott
- María vino a tiempo.Maria came on time.This sentence is useful for showing how to use a tiempo in a positive statement about someone's arrival.Tatoeba #8769759 by SemperAutumnus, translation #8249385 by francaisr0wlet
- No llegaron a tiempo.They didn't arrive on time.This sentence is useful for showing how to use a tiempo when discussing a group's arrival.Tatoeba #7786247 by arh, translation #8188240 by lucasmg123
- Llegué a tiempo a la reuniónI arrived on time to the meeting
- El tren salió puntualmenteThe train departed on time
- Entregué mi trabajo sin retrasosI submitted my work without delays
- Llegamos a la hora al conciertoWe arrived on time to the concert
- Siempre eres muy puntualYou're always very punctual
- Debes entregar el regalo en el tiempo acordadoYou must deliver the present on time as agreed
- Él siempre llega a tiempo como un relojHe always arrives on time like a clock
- 148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are waiting for a train at the station.
- Alejandro¿Llegará el tren a tiempo?Will the train arrive on time?
- ElenaSí, parece que viene a tiempo.Yes, it looks like it is coming on time.
- AlejandroQué bueno, porque tengo prisa.That's good, because I'm in a hurry.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Alejandro.Don't worry, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on time” translations and entries a tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
