Tiempo, hora, and vez are Spanish nouns that relate to the concept of time but have different meanings and uses. Tiempo is general time, hora is a specific hour or time, and vez means “instance” or “turn.” Understanding these distinctions is key to using time expressions correctly in Spanish.
In Spanish, there are three common nouns that relate to “time”: tiempo, hora, and vez. They are not interchangeable because each refers to a different aspect of time:
- Tiempo means “time” in a general, abstract sense. It can refer to hours, minutes, or even longer periods, and it can also mean “weather.”
- Hora means a specific “hour” or “time” on the clock. It refers to exact points in time (e.g., 3:00, 8:30).
- Vez means “instance,” “occasion,” or “turn.” It counts how many times something happens or refers to a particular occurrence.
Understanding the difference between these three words will help you talk about time more naturally and accurately in Spanish.
Usage of Tiempo
Tiempo refers to time in a broad, general, or abstract sense. It can mean duration, the concept of time passing, or even “weather” in a different context.
Subsections
. General Time and Duration
Use tiempo when talking about how long something takes or when referring to time in a non-specific way.
- Tengo poco tiempo para estudiar. (I have little time to study.)
- El tiempo vuela cuando te diviertes. (Time flies when you’re having fun.)
- Necesito tiempo para descansar. (I need time to rest.)
. Time as a Concept
Tiempo can also be used when speaking about the idea or passage of time in a philosophical or general way.
- El tiempo lo cura todo. (Time heals everything.)
- No hay tiempo que perder. (There’s no time to waste.)
- Con el tiempo, todo mejora. (With time, everything gets better.)
. Time in Expressions and Idioms
Many common Spanish expressions use tiempo to talk about taking time, making time, or the importance of time.
- ¿Tienes tiempo? (Do you have time?)
- A tiempo (on time)
- Tiempo perdido (wasted time)
- Tomarse su tiempo (take one’s time)
. Tiempo vs. Hora
If you’re speaking about time in general or how long something lasts, use tiempo. If you’re referring to a specific clock time, use hora.
- Tengo tiempo para comer. (I have time to eat.)
- La hora de comer es a las 2. (The time to eat is at 2:00.)
. Tiempo as Weather
Be aware that tiempo can also mean “weather” in Spanish, but this is a separate meaning and context.
- ¿Qué tiempo hace? (What’s the weather like?)
- Hace buen tiempo. (The weather is nice.)
- El tiempo está nublado. (The weather is cloudy.)
Usage of Hora
Hora refers to a specific time on the clock or a particular hour of the day. It is always singular or plural (horas) when referring to exact times or scheduled moments.
Subsections
. Telling Time
Use hora when stating, asking, or mentioning a specific time.
- ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?)
- Son las tres de la tarde. (It’s 3 in the afternoon.)
- La hora del almuerzo es a la 1. (Lunch time is at 1.)
. Scheduled Events
Hora is used to talk about appointments, deadlines, and set times for activities.
- Tengo una cita a las 10:00. (I have an appointment at 10:00.)
- ¿A qué hora sales? (What time do you leave?)
- La película empieza a las 8. (The movie starts at 8.)
. Time Periods and Counting Hours
Hora can also mean “hour” as a unit of time when counting.
- Estudié dos horas. (I studied for two hours.)
- Trabajé tres horas. (I worked three hours.)
- La clase dura una hora. (The class lasts one hour.)
. Hora vs. Tiempo
If you need to specify the exact clock time, use hora. For talking about the amount or passage of time, use tiempo.
- ¿A qué hora llegas? (At what time do you arrive?)
- Llegas a tiempo. (You arrive on time.)
. Expressing “On the Hour”
When something happens exactly at a full hour, use “en punto” with hora.
- Son las cinco en punto. (It’s 5:00 on the dot.)
- La reunión es a las nueve en punto. (The meeting is at 9:00 sharp.)
Usage of Vez
Vez means “instance,” “occasion,” “time” (as in one occurrence), or “turn.” It counts how many times something happens or refers to a specific occurrence.
When do you use 'vez' instead of 'tiempo' or 'hora'?
When counting or referring to specific occurrences or taking turns
'Vez' is about occurrences and turns, whereas 'tiempo' is general time and 'hora' is specific clock time.
Subsections
. Counting Occurrences
Use vez to talk about how many times something has happened or will happen.
- He visitado España tres veces. (I’ve visited Spain three times.)
- ¿Cuántas veces comes fuera? (How many times do you eat out?)
- Esta es la primera vez que cocino paella. (This is the first time I’m cooking paella.)
. Referring to Specific Occasions
Vez highlights a particular instance or moment when something happens.
- La última vez que nos vimos fue en verano. (The last time we saw each other was in summer.)
- Esta vez no llegues tarde. (This time, don’t be late.)
- Por primera vez, gané el concurso. (For the first time, I won the contest.)
. Taking Turns
When talking about turns, use vez to indicate whose turn it is.
- Es mi vez de hablar. (It’s my turn to speak.)
- Ahora es tu vez. (Now it’s your turn.)
- Espera tu vez. (Wait your turn.)
. Common Phrases with Vez
Several fixed expressions use vez to talk about order, preference, or repetition.
- a la vez (at the same time)
- una vez (once)
- otra vez (again)
- de vez en cuando (from time to time)
. Vez vs. Tiempo
Use vez when counting or referring to specific occurrences. Use tiempo when speaking more generally about the concept or duration of time.
- ¿Cuántas veces has ido al cine? (How many times have you gone to the movies?)
- No tengo tiempo para salir. (I don’t have time to go out.)
Summary
Understanding the difference between tiempo, hora, and vez is crucial for talking about time clearly in Spanish:
- Tiempo = general or abstract time, duration, or even weather
- Hora = specific clock time, scheduled moments, or counting hours
- Vez = one occurrence, instance, or turn
By practicing these distinctions, you’ll be able to express yourself more naturally and avoid common mistakes.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
