habla ahora
/abla aoɾa/from spelling rules
The phrase 'speak now' in Spanish is habla ahora.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb habla (speak/talk) and the adverb ahora (now).
Which one should you use?
While habla ahora is a direct command to speak, habla de ahora would mean 'speak about now' or 'speak of now', which is a different meaning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you might hear Habla ahora to mean 'speak now.' In Argentina, Decí lo que tenés que decir is a common way of saying 'say what you need to say.'
Did you know?
- The word habla is a relative of the Spanish word fábula (fable), as both come from the Latin word for discourse.
- The verb hablar is used for speaking, but when a person is 'speaking' a specific language, Spanish uses the same word for both the act of talking and the act of fluency.
Examples in context
- Habla ahora o para siempre guarda silencio.Speak now, or forever be silent.This sentence is useful for illustrating a command to speak now or remain silent forever using habla ahora.Tatoeba #3707633 by carlosalberto, translation #3707472 by Sanaseppo
- Hable ahora si tiene algo que añadir a la discusión.Speak now if you have anything to add to the discussion.
- Hablen ahora si tienen alguna pregunta.Speak now if you have any questions.
- Estamos todos escuchando, así que di lo que piensas.We are all listening, so speak your mind.
- Si tienes algo importante, habla ahora.If you have something important, speak now.
- No esperes más, habla ahora.Don't wait any longer, speak now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a plan during a meeting.
- DanielTengo una duda sobre el proyecto.I have a doubt about the project.
- SofíaEstá bien, habla ahora.That is fine, speak now.
- DanielCreo que necesitamos más tiempo.I think we need more time.
- SofíaTienes razón, Daniel.You are right, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahora, habla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
