A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'll be right back" in Spanish
Say 'Ahorita vuelvo' to let someone know you'll return very soon.
Ahorita vuelvo
ah-WEE-tah VWELL-vohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to step away briefly, like to grab something from another room or answer the door. It's perfect for short absences where you want to reassure the other person you'll be back quickly.
Alternatives
- Ahora vuelvoSlightly more literal for 'now', but 'ahorita' implies more immediacy.
- Vuelvo en un segundoEmphasizes extreme speed, almost like 'in a jiffy'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'ahora' and 'ahorita'
'Ahorita' implies a shorter, more immediate return than 'ahora'.
Using 'regreso' instead of 'vuelvo'
'Vuelvo' is more common and natural-sounding for a quick return.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, 'ahorita' can mean 'right now' or 'in a little bit,' but when paired with 'vuelvo,' it strongly implies a very short absence.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between ahorita and ahora?
'Ahora' means 'now' or 'later,' while 'ahorita' specifically means 'right now' or 'in a very short time.' It's a diminutive that emphasizes immediacy.
Is 'Ahorita vuelvo' formal or informal?
It's generally considered neutral and can be used in most everyday situations. It's not overly casual but not strictly formal either.
Can I say 'Te veo ahorita' instead?
You could, but 'Te veo ahorita' is more like 'See you in a bit' and doesn't explicitly state you are leaving and returning. 'Ahorita vuelvo' is clearer for a brief departure.
How do Mexicans say "I'll be right back"?
In Mexico, you can say "Ahorita vuelvo" or "Ahorita regreso" to mean "I'll be right back."
How do you say brb in Spanish?
The most common way to say "brb" (be right back) in Spanish is "Ahorita vuelvo" or "Ahora vuelvo."
How do you say in Spanish "I'll be back later"?
To say "I'll be back later" in Spanish, you can use "Volveré más tarde" or "Regresaré más tarde."
What is "I'll be back" in Spanish?
The phrase "I'll be back" translates to "Volveré" or "Regresaré" in Spanish.
