Three common Spanish nouns—tiempo, hora, and vez—all relate to the concept of time, but they are used in different ways. This guide explains their meanings, how to use them, and examples for clarity.
Tiempo
Tiempo means "time" in a broad, general sense. It refers to time as an abstract concept, as well as to duration, weather, or the right moment.
- Use tiempo to talk about time in general, how long something takes, or when something should happen.
- It can also mean "weather" in context.
- It is a singular, uncountable noun.
___ está nublado esta tarde.
El tiempo está nublado esta tarde.
“Tiempo” can mean weather when used in context (e.g., “El tiempo está nublado” means “The weather is cloudy”). “Hora” and “vez” do not relate to weather.
Hora
Hora means "hour" or a specific point in time on the clock. It is used to talk about exact times or to measure time in hours.
- Use hora when referring to a specific time of day (e.g., 3:00 p.m.).
- Use hora to talk about durations counted in hours (e.g., "una hora").
- It is a feminine noun and can be singular or plural (horas).
Vez
Vez means "time" as in "an instance" or "occasion." It refers to how many times something happens or has happened.
- Use vez when counting occurrences or repeated actions (e.g., "una vez," "dos veces").
- It is always singular; the plural form is veces.
- It is a feminine noun.
Summary Table
| Spanish Word | English Equivalent | Usage Tips | Example (Spanish) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tiempo | time (general), duration, weather | Use for time as a concept, duration, or "the right time;" also means "weather" | No tengo tiempo. / El tiempo está bueno. | I don't have time. / The weather is nice. |
| hora | hour, time (on the clock) | Use for specific times or durations in hours | Son las dos de la hora. / Estudié una hora. | It's two o'clock. / I studied for an hour. |
| vez | time, occasion, instance | Use to count occurrences or repeat actions | Fui al cine una vez. / Dos veces llamé. | I went to the movies once. / I called twice. |
Quick Tips
- Use tiempo for general or abstract time and for talking about weather.
- Use hora when you need to specify a clock time or talk about hours.
- Use vez when counting how many times something happens.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Usage Tips: Use for time as a concept, duration, or "the right time;" also means "weather"
- English Equivalent: time (general), duration, weather
- Example (English): I don't have time. / The weather is nice.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
