Spoken Description

Este artículo explica la diferencia entre tiempo (tiempo general), hora (unidad de 60 minutos) y vez (ocasión) en español, con ejemplos prácticos, reglas de uso y errores comunes a evitar.

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This article explains the difference between tiempo (general time), hora (unit of 60 minutes) and vez (occasion) in Spanish, with practical examples, usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid.

Spanish uses different words for "time" depending on whether you mean general time, a clock time, or an occasion. This guide explains tiempo, hora and vez with examples for each.

Tiempo

Tiempo refers to time as a general concept, duration, or the amount of time available. Use it when talking about time in an abstract sense or when measuring how long something takes. You can also use tiempo for weather in some contexts.

Tiempo se refiere al concepto general de tiempo, duración, o la cantidad de tiempo disponible. Úsalo cuando hables de tiempo en un sentido abstracto o cuando midas cuánto tarda en ocurrir algo. También puedes usar tiempo para el clima en algunos contextos.

No nos queda mucho(time) antes de la reunión.

We don't have much time left before the meeting.

We don't have much ___ (time) left before the meeting.

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Hora

Hora means a specific clock time or moment when something happens. Use hora when giving, asking for, or referring to an exact time on the clock. It can also refer to an appointment or scheduled time.

Hora significa un momento específico en el reloj o un momento en que sucede algo. Usa hora cuando indiques, preguntes o te refieras a una hora exacta en el reloj. También puede referirse a una cita o un horario programado.

¿A qué(time) es la cita?

What time is the appointment?

What time is the appointment? (Use 'hora' for a clock time)

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Vez

Vez refers to an occurrence, turn, or instance of doing something. Use vez when talking about how many times something happens or when it is someone's turn to act. It highlights individual occasions rather than clock time.

Vez se refiere a una ocurrencia, turno o instancia de hacer algo. Usa vez cuando hables de cuántas veces pasa algo o cuándo es el turno de alguien para actuar. Destaca las ocasiones individuales en lugar del tiempo en el reloj.

Esta es la primera(time/occasion) que visito.

This is the first time I've visited.

This is the first time I've visited.

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Summary

Use tiempo for general time or duration, hora for specific clock times, and vez for particular instances or turns. Choosing the right word depends on whether you mean time as a measurable span, an exact moment, or an occurrence.

Examples

Additional Expressions

Learn common phrases with tiempo, hora and vez to sound natural when talking about time and to practice each word in context.

Llegar(on time).

Arrive on time.

Arrive on time (ready by the scheduled moment).

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Suggested Reading

Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Spanish

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No Nonsense Spanish Workbook

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The Everything Learning Spanish Book

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Collins Easy Learning: Spanish Conversation

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Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish

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Spanish All-In-One For Dummies

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Easy Spanish Step-By-Step

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Barron’s 501 Spanish Verbs

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Complete Spanish Step-By-Step

Complete Spanish Step-By-Step by Barbara Bregstein

Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar

Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar by Gilda Nissenberg

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