tiempo
/ˈtjempo/
The Spanish word tiempo means time.
tiempo is the standard and most commonly used noun for time in Spanish. You can use it in various expressions, such as Perder el tiempo to mean 'to waste time' or Dedicar tiempo to mean 'to dedicate or allocate time'. If you want to refer to a specific time period, the phrase Período de tiempo is used.
Which one should you use?
While tiempo refers to the weather at a specific moment, clima refers to the long-term climate of a region.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtjempo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word tiempo is a linguistic relative of the English word 'temperature'. Both descend from the same root describing a 'stretch' or a 'division' of time and space.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if someone says no tengo tiempo, they might actually be expressing a social boundary rather than a literal lack of minutes.
- Spanish speakers use tiempo to describe the 'tempo' of a piece of music, but they also use it to describe the 'tense' of a verb in grammar, such as tiempo pasado for 'past tense'.
Examples in context
- El tiempo es un recurso invaluableTime is an invaluable resource
- El período de tiempo asignado para este proyecto es de seis mesesThe allocated time period for this project is six months
- Espera un rato mientras termino de prepararmeWait a while as I finish getting ready
- No tengo tiempo para tus rollosI don't have time for your nonsense
- Debes dedicar tiempo a tus pasionesYou should dedicate time to your passions
- No deberías perder el tiempo en discusiones sin sentidoYou shouldn't waste time on pointless arguments
- Hace buen tiempo.The weather is good.
- No tengo tiempo.I don't have time.
- No tengo tiempo para comer hoy.I don't have time to eat today.
- El tiempo vuela cuando te diviertes.Time flies when you are having fun.
- ¿Cuánto tiempo falta para la fiesta?How much time is left until the party?
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about their busy afternoon at work.
- ElenaMateo, ¿tienes tiempo para hablar conmigo?Mateo, do you have time to talk with me?
- MateoLo siento, Elena, pero no tengo tiempo ahora.I am sorry, Elena, but I don't have time right now.
- ElenaEstá bien, te veo más tarde.That is fine, I will see you later.
- MateoGracias por entender, hablamos luego.Thanks for understanding, we will talk later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
