A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Now" in Spanish
Learn to use 'Ahora,' the most common Spanish word for 'now,' in everyday conversations.
Ahora
ah-OH-rahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use 'Ahora' when you want to indicate something happening at the present moment. It's perfect for telling someone what you're doing right now or when something will happen next.
Alternatives
- YaUse 'Ya' when 'now' implies 'already' or 'by now'.
- En este momentoUse this for a more emphatic 'at this very moment'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing with 'Ahorra'
'Ahorra' means 'save' (money, time, etc.), not 'now'.
Pronunciation
Make sure to stress the second syllable: ah-OH-rah.
A small cultural note
In some Latin American countries, 'ahorita' is used very frequently to mean 'right now,' even if the action will happen a bit later.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between ahora and ya?
'Ahora' generally means 'now' in the present moment. 'Ya' can mean 'now' but often implies 'already' or 'by this time'.
Can 'ahora' mean 'later'?
Sometimes, colloquially, 'ahora' can be used to mean 'in a little while,' especially in certain regions. However, its primary meaning is 'now'.
How do I say 'right now' in Spanish?
The most direct translation is 'ahora mismo.' You might also hear 'en este momento' or the very common regionalism 'ahorita'.
How do you say 'now' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'now' in Spanish is 'ahora'. You can also use 'ya' in many contexts.
Is it 'ahora' or 'ahorita'?
'Ahora' means 'now', while 'ahorita' is a diminutive form that can mean 'right now', 'in a little while', or 'a moment ago', depending on the region and context.
How do you say 'right now' in Spanish?
You can say 'right now' in Spanish as 'ahora mismo' or 'justamente ahora'. 'Ahorita' can also be used for 'right now' in some regions.
How do you say 'just now' in Spanish?
To say 'just now', you can use 'hace poco' or 'recién'. 'Ahorita' can also sometimes imply 'just now'.
