Un momento
/un momento/from spelling rules
The English phrase "one moment" is translated into Spanish as Un momento.
Un momento is used as an interjection to tell someone to stop or wait. You can turn the phrase into a direct command to stop or wait by using an exclamatory tone or adding exclamation marks, as in ¡Un momento!
Meaning: Stop, wait (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un (one/a) and momento (moment).
Which one should you use?
While Un momento is standard, you may also use Un segundo (one second) interchangeably to express that the wait will be very brief. To request a slightly longer wait, you should use the plural form unos momentos (a few moments).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a longer period of time, change the singular Un momento into the plural unos momentos to mean "a few moments".
How do you pronounce it?
/un momento/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying un momento may actually result in a wait of several minutes due to a more relaxed perception of time.
- In some dialects, saying un momentito using the diminutive suffix makes the request sound more polite and less demanding than un momento.
- The word momento shares a deep historical root with the Latin word movimentum, which is the ancestor of the English word 'movement'.
Examples in context
- Bastó sólo un momento de mi vida para llegar a conocerte y amarte, pero no bastará toda mi vida para llegar a olvidarte.Only one moment of my life was enough to get to know and love you, but all my life will not be enough to get to forget you.This sentence shows how Un momento is used to refer to a single point in time.Tatoeba #1160685 by nancy, translation #1160688 by Eldad
- Un momento, por favor.One moment, please.
- Espera, un momento.Wait, one moment.
Example conversation
Daniel is trying to leave, but Elena needs to tell him something.
- Daniel¡Me voy ya!I am leaving now!
- ElenaUn momento, Daniel.One moment, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Qué pasa, Elena?What is happening, Elena?
- ElenaOlvidaste tus llaves.You forgot your keys.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries momento, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
