el reloj corre
/el ɾelox kore/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the clock is ticking" is expressed in Spanish as el reloj corre.
This phrase is used to say that time is running out and a deadline is approaching. While el reloj corre is a direct translation, el tiempo se agota is a very common alternative meaning 'time is running out'.
When do people say it?
Note that if you wish to express the idea that "time flies," you would use the phrase El Tiempo Vuela instead.
Did you know?
- The final letter j in reloj is rare in Spanish and may have occurred because speakers accidentally changed the word to match its own plural form relojes.
- In Spanish, the idea of time running out is often expressed by the verb agotar, which is also used when someone is completely worn out or a product is sold out.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are studying for a final exam together.
- SofíaMateo, el reloj corre y el examen es mañana.Mateo, the clock is ticking and the exam is tomorrow.
- MateoLo sé, Sofía, pero necesito terminar este capítulo.I know, Sofía, but I need to finish this chapter.
- SofíaEntonces deja de distraerte y concéntrate.Then stop getting distracted and concentrate.
- MateoTienes razón, voy a terminar ahora mismo.You're right, I'm going to finish right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, reloj, CC BY-SA 4.0.
