¿qué hora es ahora?
To ask 'what time is it now?' in Spanish, use ¿qué hora es ahora?
This phrase is a standard way to ask for the current time of day. While you can use the full phrase, the word ahora is optional and can be omitted without changing the fundamental meaning of the question.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'what hour is it now?' because Spanish uses the word for 'hour' (hora) to ask for the time.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the plural form ¿Qué horas son? is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
When answering the question, the grammar changes depending on the hour. Use the singular verb es and the singular article la for 1:00 (e.g., Es la una.). For all other hours, use the plural verb son and the plural article las (e.g., Son las dos.).
Did you know?
- The word ahora is a contraction of the Latin phrase hāc hōrā, which means 'at this hour'.
Examples in context
- Perdone, ¿qué hora es ahora?Excuse me, what time is it now?
- No tengo mi reloj, ¿qué hora es ahora?I don't have my watch, what time is it now?
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are waiting for a bus.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿qué hora es ahora?María, what time is it now?
- MaríaSon las tres de la tarde.It is three in the afternoon.
- AlejandroEl autobús llega tarde hoy.The bus is late today.
- MaríaSí, hay mucho tráfico.Yes, there is a lot of traffic.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahora, es, hora, qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
