esta noche
/esta not͡ʃe/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for tonight is esta noche. Wiktionary also lists esta tarde.
Meaning: during today's evening (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| esta noche | /esta not͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) |
| esta tarde | /esta taɾde/ (from spelling rules) |
esta noche is an adverb used to describe something happening during today's evening. It can also function as a noun meaning "nighttime today."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase esta noche literally translates to "this night".
Which one should you use?
While esta noche refers to the night, esta tarde is used to refer to the afternoon or early evening.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on the region, other phrases can be used for tonight: in Argentina, you may hear hoy a la noche. In Spain, hoy por la noche is common. And in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, hoy en la noche is used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/esta notʃe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying hoy noche. Instead, use the correct form esta noche.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, events scheduled for esta noche may start much later than a typical English 'tonight' event.
- The word noche is a direct descendant of the Latin nox, which is also the root of English words like 'nocturnal' and 'equinox'.
- Spanish speakers often distinguish between tarde and noche based on sunset rather than a fixed clock time.
Examples in context
- Te veré esta noche.I'll see you tonight.This sentence shows how to use esta noche to indicate a future meeting.Tatoeba #1239066 by marcelostockle, translation #875721 by CK
- Esta noche es tuya.Tonight is yours.This sentence demonstrates using esta noche as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #3777083 by Shishir, translation #9741477 by DJ_Saidez
- Va a ser esta noche.It's happening tonight.This sentence uses esta noche to indicate when an event will occur.Tatoeba #2033123 by Shishir, translation #2032985 by CK
- ¿Vienes esta noche a la fiesta?Are you coming to the party tonight?
- Tengo una reunión importante esta noche.I have an important meeting tonight.
- ¿Nos reunimos hoy en la noche?Shall we meet tonight?
- La conferencia comienza hoy en la noche.The conference starts tonight.
- ¡Nos vemos esta noche en el cine!See you tonight at the movies!
- ¿Quieres salir a cenar esta noche?Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?
- Nos vemos hoy en la noche en el bar de siempre.See you tonight at our usual bar.
- Hoy en la noche voy a una fiesta. ¿Te apuntas?Tonight, I'm going to a party. Are you coming?
- 429 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking on the phone about their plans.
- Javier¿Tienes planes para esta noche?Do you have plans for tonight?
- LucíaNo, no tengo nada planeado.No, I don't have anything planned.
- JavierEntonces, ¿quieres cenar conmigo esta noche?Then, do you want to have dinner with me tonight?
- Lucía¡Me encantaría, Javier!I would love to, Javier!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tonight” translations, 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 esta, noche, tarde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
