A guide to saying it like a local

How to Say "In the morning" in Spanish

Use 'por la mañana' to talk about activities happening in the morning hours.

por la mañana

por lah mah-NYAH-nahneutral

A single phrase, broken down

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This phrase is used to specify a time of day. For example, you might say 'Desayuno por la mañana' (I eat breakfast in the morning) or 'Me levanto por la mañana' (I get up in the morning).

Alternatives

  • en la mañanaMore common in some Caribbean and Central American countries.
  • de la mañanaUsed when specifying a particular hour, like 'a las ocho de la mañana' (at eight in the morning).

Ways to get it wrong

Confusing with 'mañana'

'Mañana' alone means 'tomorrow' or 'morning', but 'por la mañana' specifically means 'in the morning'.

Using 'en' instead of 'por'

While 'en la mañana' is used in some regions, 'por la mañana' is more widely understood across Latin America.

Frequently asked

When do you use por la mañana?

You use 'por la mañana' to indicate that something happens during the morning hours. It's a general timeframe, not a specific clock time.

Is 'en la mañana' okay to use?

'En la mañana' is understood and used in certain regions, particularly in the Caribbean. However, 'por la mañana' is more universally common in Latin America.

How to say 'in the morning' for a specific time?

To specify a time, use 'de la mañana' after the hour, for example, 'a las siete de la mañana' (at seven in the morning).

What do Spanish people say in the morning?

In the morning, Spanish speakers typically say "buenos días" which means "good morning."

What does "qué va hacer hoy" mean?

This phrase translates to "what are you going to do today?" It's a common question asked in the morning.

How do you say "tomorrow" in Spanish?

Tomorrow in Spanish is "mañana."

How do you say "in the afternoon" in Spanish?

In the afternoon in Spanish is "por la tarde."