un segundo
/un seɡundo/from spelling rules
The phrase "one second" in Spanish is un segundo.
Like in English, un segundo can be used figuratively to mean 'a very short moment' rather than a precise unit of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the number un (one) and the noun segundo (second).
How do you pronounce it?
/un seɡundo/
Did you know?
- The word segundo is a 'doublet' of the word según, which means 'according to'. Both stem from the same Latin root of following a certain path or logic.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying un segundo is often accompanied by a gesture where the index finger is raised or held up to signal a brief pause.
- While un segundo is standard, many native speakers use un momentito or un segundito by adding the suffix -ito to make the wait sound even shorter and more polite.
Examples in context
- Por un segundo pensé que moriría.For one second I thought I would die.This sentence shows the use of un segundo to describe a momentary thought.Tatoeba #3353696 by marcelostockle, translation #825153 by jellorage
- Espera un segundo.Wait one second.This sentence demonstrates how to use un segundo as an informal way to ask someone to wait.Tatoeba #4554560 by swyter, translation #1850244 by CK
- Somos capaces de viajar en el tiempo. Y lo hacemos a la excepcional velocidad de un segundo por segundo.We can travel through time. And we do at the remarkable rate of one second per second.This sentence illustrates the phrase used in the context of a rate of speed.Tatoeba #1757066 by marcelostockle, translation #2284 by Dejo
- Disculpe, ¿podría esperar un momento, por favor?Excuse me, could you wait for one moment, please?
- ¡Espera un segundo, casi termino!Just a second, I'm almost done!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is looking for his keys in his bag.
- AlejandroUn segundo, no encuentro las llaves.One second, I can't find the keys.
- Lucía¿Estás seguro de que no están en tu mano?Are you sure they aren't in your hand?
- AlejandroNo, dame un segundo más.No, give me one second more.
- Lucía¡Ah, las tienes en el bolsillo!Ah, you have them in your pocket!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries segundo, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
