Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ahora mismo | /aˌoɾa ˈmismo/ | |
| ahorita | /aoˈɾita/ | |
| ahoritica | /aoɾiˈtika/ | |
| ahoritita | /aoɾiˈtita/ | |
| ahorititita | /aoɾitiˈtita/ | |
| agoritamente | /aɡoɾitamente/ (from spelling rules) | Dominican Republic |
| ahorininga | /aoɾininɡa/ (from spelling rules) | Dominican Republic |
| untualito | /untwaˈlito/ | Honduras |
| utualito | /utwaˈlito/ | Central America |
All forms listed are used to express that something is happening at this precise moment. The phrase ahora mismo is the most standard and versatile option, making it suitable for use in all Spanish-speaking regions without the risk of sounding like regional slang.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ahora mismo literally translates to 'now itself', combining ahora (now) and mismo (same/self).
Which one should you use?
While ahora mismo strictly refers to the precise present moment, the diminutive ahorita is often used colloquially to mean 'in a little while' or 'soon', depending on the country. For extreme emphasis on immediacy, you can use the double diminutive ahoritita.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Dominican Republic, you may hear agoritamente or ahorininga. In Honduras, the term untualito is used and in parts of Central America, you may hear utualito. In some Latin American countries, the word ya can be used instead of ahora to mean 'right now'. In Spain, the phrase en este mismo momento is common.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ahoritita serves as a double diminutive of ahora and is used to emphasize extreme immediacy or to sound more affectionate or informal.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˌoɾa ˈmismo/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Ven aquí ahora mismo.Come here right now.This sentence shows how to use ahora mismo to give a command.Tatoeba #513073 by Shishir, translation #4645718 by Sladey
- Haré eso ahora mismo.I'll do that right now.This sentence demonstrates using ahora mismo to express a future intention.Tatoeba #2828827 by marcelostockle, translation #2546702 by CK
- Ahorita no tengo sed.I'm not thirsty right now.This sentence illustrates the use of ahorita to describe a current state.Tatoeba #5068201 by cueyayotl, translation #2544698 by CK
- En este momento, estamos trabajando en la propuesta.Right now, we are working on the proposal.
- Necesito que venga a mi oficina ahora mismo.I need you to come to my office right now.
- Estoy ocupado ahorita, podemos hablar después.I'm busy right now, we can talk later.
- Mi equipo acaba de ganar el partido en este instante.My team just won the game right now.
- Necesito que lo hagas yaI need you to do it right now.
- 145 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are in their living room.
- Lucía¿Puedes ayudarme con la cena ahora mismo?Can you help me with dinner right now?
- JavierLo siento, Lucía, no puedo ahora mismo.I'm sorry, Lucía, I can't right now.
- LucíaEs muy urgente, Javier.It is very urgent, Javier.
- JavierEstá bien, voy para allá ahora mismo.Okay, I'm going there right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right now” translations and entries ahora mismo, ahorita, ahoritica, ahoritita, ahorititita, untualito, utualito, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahora, ahorita, mismo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
