Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| en algún momento | /en alɡun momento/ (from spelling rules) |
| al rato | /al ˈrato/ |
| algún día | /alˌɡun ˈdia/ |
En algún momento is the most versatile option and is suitable for describing an indefinite time in either the past or the future. Use algún día when 'sometime' specifically implies 'one day' in the future, often suggesting a vague or distant event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en algún momento literally means 'at some moment', composed of en (in/at), algún (some) and momento (moment).
Which one should you use?
The different Spanish forms are used to specify the timeframe: al rato is used if 'sometime' refers to a short period of time from the present, such as 'in a little while'. algún día is used for future-oriented contexts meaning 'one day'. en algún momento is the general form for an indefinite time in the past or future.
How do you pronounce it?
/en alɡun momento/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying al rato to mean 'in a little while' can be highly subjective and may actually mean several hours or even an indefinite time.
- The word rato in the phrase al rato shares its origin with the English word 'rapture', as both derive from the Latin raptus, meaning a snatching or seizing.
- Using algún día to say 'one day' can function as a polite social strategy to decline an invitation or avoid a firm commitment without explicitly saying 'no'.
Examples in context
- Tenía que pasar en algún momento.It had to happen sometime.This sentence shows how to use en algún momento to refer to an event in the past.Tatoeba #4317959 by pchamorro, translation #3129486 by CK
- Todo lo que vive morirá algún día.Everything that lives will die sometime.This sentence illustrates the use of algún día for a distant future event.Tatoeba #1423596 by marcelostockle, translation #955003 by CM
- Te lo tendré que contar algún día.I'll have to tell you about it sometime.This sentence demonstrates using algún día to express a vague future intention.Tatoeba #9476272 by swyter, translation #9476106 by CK
- Por favor, envíeme los informes en alguna ocasión esta semana.Please send me the reports sometime this week.
- Me gustaría concertar una reunión en algún momento conveniente para usted.I would like to schedule a meeting at a convenient time for you.
- ¿Has viajado a España alguna vez?Have you ever traveled to Spain?
- Podemos salir a cenar en algún momento de esta semana.We can go out for dinner sometime this week.
- Definitivamente, visitaré Europa algún día.Definitely, I will visit Europe sometime.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing their plans to meet.
- SofíaTenemos que vernos en algún momento.We have to see each other sometime.
- DanielSí, deberíamos ir a cenar.Yes, we should go out for dinner.
- Sofía¿En algún momento de la próxima semana?Sometime next week?
- DanielClaro, yo te aviso.Sure, I will let you know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sometime” translations and entries al rato, algún día, 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 día, en, momento, rato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
