horas extras
/oɾas eɡstɾas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, overtime is translated as horas extras.
The phrase refers to time worked exceeding regular working hours. You can use the verb pagar with this phrase to express the concept of paying overtime, as in pagar horas extras.
Meaning: exceeding regular working hours (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of horas (hours) and extras (extra/additional), literally meaning 'extra hours'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase can be used in the singular form hora extra when you are referring to a single unit of overtime.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾas eɡstɾas/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, mentioning that you worked horas extras can actually be seen as a negative thing. It might imply to your boss or peers that you were inefficient and could not finish your work during the normal 'jornada'.
- In casual conversation in some regions, people might use the verb quedarse (to stay) as a shorthand for working overtime, saying me quedé to imply they worked extra hours.
- In Spain, there is a legal distinction between horas extras and horas complementarias. While both involve extra time, horas complementarias are pre-agreed hours in a contract that do not necessarily require additional hourly pay.
Examples in context
- Este empleado japonés, cansado y enojado con el sistema, proponía una jornada laboral diaria de ocho horas con pago adicional por horas extras.This Japanese employee, tired and angry at the system, proposed an eight-hour working day with overtime pay.This sentence shows how to use horas extras in the context of proposing a working day with additional pay.Tatoeba #4353937 by umano, translation #7919992 by fpp
- Necesito pagar a mis empleados por sus horas extras esta semana.I need to pay my employees for their overtime this week.
- Mañana tengo que trabajar horas extras.I have to work overtime tomorrow.
- ¿Te pagan bien las horas extras?Do they pay you well for overtime?
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking at the office.
- MateoMaría, ¿te quedas a hacer horas extras hoy?María, are you staying to work overtime today?
- MaríaNo, Mateo, ya terminé todo mi trabajo.No, Mateo, I already finished all my work.
- MateoQué suerte, yo necesito terminar este informe.How lucky, I need to finish this report.
- MaríaLo siento, ¡nos vemos mañana entonces!I'm sorry, see you tomorrow then!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry horas extras, 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.
