Sep
6
It’s about TIME
This is a brief entry because I don’t have a lot of time. Seriously. And it just happens to be about the subject of time. Funny, huh?
OK, well in Spanish there are at least four different words you can use to mean “time.” In English, we have the word “time” that we use interchangeably in different situations. In Spanish, you’ve got to be more precise.
Referring to a specific time of day? Use “HORA.”
- What time is it? ¿Qué hora es?
(Sorry, couldn’t resist. Just a little inside joke for regular readers of this blog. 
jeje.)
Referring to a short amount of time or expressing “a while”? Use “RATO.”
- Vi una rata que estaba corriendo por aqui hace un rato. I saw a rat running around here a while ago.
Want to talk about a period of time, duration, or the concept of time in an abstract sense? Go with “TIEMPO.”
- Tardó mucho tiempo en terminar la novela. He took a long time to finish the novel.
And when referring to an occurrence or an instance that generally can be quantified, the word “VEZ” is all you need.
- Vi esta película dos veces. I saw this movie twice (two times).
Now I’ve got to skedaddle (“escabullirme”). See you next time! 
I clicked on your inside joke link the other day to find out what could possibly be funny about “What time is it?”
Boy did I get a LAUGH!! I enjoyed those clips so much that I wished there were more of them. Even my husband started walking around the house singing the theme song.
Eleena, this is not the first time I’ve gotten a big laugh off of something you posted. Your blog is so well-rounded: you make us laugh, you teach us Spanish, you raise serious issues, and you have great interviews.
I just wanted to say “gracias” and there’s an award waiting for you at Spanish Lesson Plans for Children.
Aww, Jessica, you’re making me blush.
You’re quite welcome! I’m so happy that you are enjoying this blog and getting a lot out of it, whether it be wacky, off the wall items like the ¿Qué hora es? videos or more serious stuff. All work and no play, makes for a dull blog, I think. Anyway, thanks very much for your kind, encouraging words and for mentioning my blog on yours. It is very much appreciated!