Spanish uses three main nouns for different facets of "time": tiempo, hora, and vez.
- *Tiempo*: the abstract, general notion of time, or time as a measurable resource.
- *Hora*: a specific hour or moment on the clock; also used for appointments or schedules.
- *Vez*: a particular instance, occasion, or turn when something happens.
Understanding when to use each word is essential for expressing time correctly in various contexts.
Tiempo: The General Notion of Time
Tiempo refers to time as an abstract concept, the passage of time, or even as a resource (like "spare time"). It is uncountable and is used in broad, general contexts.
- Used for: time as a concept, duration, weather, and sometimes for "time" as a resource.
- Not used for: specific moments or "turns."
Examples
- El tiempo vuela cuando te diviertes.
(Time flies when you're having fun.)
- No tengo tiempo para eso ahora.
I don't have time for that now.
- ¿Cuánto tiempo necesitas para terminar?
How much time do you need to finish?
Yes, *tiempo* is also used for 'weather' in Spanish.
*tiempo* is used for the general concept of time, not for specific hours or turns.
Hora: The Specific Hour
Hora means "hour" and is used for specific times of the day, appointments, or schedules. It's countable—one hour (una hora), two hours (dos horas).
- Used for: clock time, schedules, appointments.
- Not used for: general time, or occasions/turns.
Examples
- ¿Qué hora es?
(What time is it? [literally: What hour is it?])
- La hora de la reunión es a las tres.
The time of the meeting is at three.
- Tengo que irme, es hora de trabajar.
I have to go, it’s time to work.
Yes, because you're referring to a specific hour.
*hora* is for specific clock times or schedules.
Vez: An Occasion or Turn
Vez is used when referring to an occasion, instance, or turn—each time something happens. It requires numbers or qualifiers (una vez, dos veces, la próxima vez).
- Used for: occasions, repetitions, turns.
- Not used for: general time or clock time.
Examples
- Esta es la primera vez que visito España.
This is the first time I visit Spain. (An occasion)
- Fui al cine tres veces el mes pasado.
I went to the movies three times last month.
- Ahora es tu vez de hablar.
Now it’s your turn to speak.
Yes, because you're referring to a specific occasion or instance.
*vez* is for occasions, instances, or turns, not for hours or general time.
Summary
| Spanish | Meaning | Usage Examples | Not for |
|---|---|---|---|
| tiempo | Time (general), duration | El tiempo pasa rápido. | Specific hours, turns |
| Also: weather, time as a resource | No tengo tiempo. | ||
| hora | Hour, moment (on the clock) | La hora es las tres. | General time, occasions |
| Appointments, schedules | Tenemos una hora para la cita. | ||
| vez | Occasion, instance, turn | Es tu vez de hablar. | General/clock time |
| (often with numbers) | Fui tres veces a ese restaurante. |
Understanding these distinctions helps you use time-related words correctly and naturally in Spanish.