10 Ways to Say Now in Spanish

If you've ever tried learning Spanish, you know that little words can pack a punch.

For example, you’d think the Spanish translation for now would be simple, right? Think again!

Everybody knows that ahora is the most direct way how to say now in Spanish, but there’s so much more to discover and you might hear ya, ahorita, or even longer phrases like en este momento.

Let’s look at an example where this can get tricky.

Close your eyes and imagine you’re at a café, and someone says “Ahorita te traigo el café.”

Depending on the tone and the region, ahorita might mean your coffee is coming right away—or you could be waiting five minutes, or even much longer!

This subtle difference in meaning highlights how one word can carry various nuances. Let’s explore 10 ways to say now in Spanish, so you can use the perfect expression for any situation.

Main Ways to Say Now in Spanish

1. Ahora

Explanation: Ahora is the most direct way to say now. It's simple, widely used, and works in most situations when you want to refer to the present moment, which makes ahora your go-to for both casual chat and a more formal conversation

Example Sentence: Estoy trabajando ahora. (I am working now.)

Usage Tip: Because it’s so versatile, ahora fits into various contexts seamlessly. Just remember, in some regions, it might come off as less urgent than ahora mismo.

2. Ahorita

Explanation: This is where things get interesting! Ahorita can be a bit tricky because its meaning can change based on where you are. While ahorita often translates to right now in Spanish, its meaning can vary to soon or in a little while in some Latin American countries — so not necessarily immediately.

Example Sentence: Ahorita te llamo. (I’ll call you in a bit or I’ll call you right now.)

Usage Tip: If you’re travelling or speaking to someone from a different region, double-check their take on ahorita to avoid confusion!

3. Ya

Explanation: Ya is one of those multipurpose words that pops up everywhere in Spanish. While it often means already, it can also mean now or right away, especially when there’s a sense of urgency involved. Think of it as a way to add emphasis, like saying right now in English.

Example Sentence: Ya quiero salir. (I want to leave now.)

Usage Tip: Use it with care as tone matters with ya. In a commanding voice, ¡Ya! means Do it now! whereas in a relaxed tone, it can sound more like soon or in a moment.

4. En este momento

Explanation: This expression comes in handy when you need to be more specific or formal. En este momento translates to at this moment or right now, adding a touch of emphasis and precision.

Example Sentence: No puedo hablar, estoy ocupado en este momento. (I can’t talk, I’m busy right now.)

Usage Tip: Use this when you want to sound precise or when ahora feels too casual for the situation.

5. Ahora mismo

Explanation: If you really want to stress the immediacy, ahora mismo is your best bet. It means right now in Spanish and leaves no room for doubt: whatever needs to happen should happen immediately.

Example Sentence: Ven aquí ahora mismo. (Come here right now.)

Usage Tip: You might opt for this when giving instructions or making an urgent request. Just be mindful that it can come across as quite forceful.

6. De una vez

Explanation: This translates to once and for all or right now and is used when you want to convey a sense of urgency or finality. It implies that something should be done immediately and without further delay.

Example Sentence: Hagamos esto de una vez. (Let’s do this now/once and for all.)

Usage Tip: De una vez is great when you're expressing impatience or a need to resolve something promptly.

7. Al instante

Explanation: It means instantly or at once but it’s a strong way to express immediate action, similar to saying now but with added emphasis on quickness.

Example Sentence: Por favor, envíame el documento al instante. (Please send me the document now.)

Usage Tip: Use al instante when you want to emphasise the speed at which something is happening or should happen.

8. En el acto

Explanation: This expression means on the spot or immediately. It’s often used to refer to doing something with no delay, similar to right now.

Example Sentence: El jefe quiere que se resuelva el problema en el acto. (The boss wants the problem solved immediately.)

Usage Tip: En el acto has a more formal ring to it, so it’s perfect for work or serious contexts.

9. En seguida

Explanation: En seguida means right away or immediately. While it doesn’t strictly mean now, it’s commonly used to express that something will happen very soon, almost as if it’s already starting.

Example Sentence: Llego en seguida. (I’m coming right away.)

Usage Tip: This is a polite way to express that you’re going to do something now or very soon, making it useful for everyday conversations.

10. Al momento

Explanation: This phrase means at the moment or instantly, similar to en el acto and al instante. It emphasises quick action and is used interchangeably with those terms depending on the situation.

Example Sentence: Le respondí al momento. (I replied at the moment/right away.)

Usage Tip: Al momento can be a subtle way to say now without sounding too urgent or demanding.

Regional Nuances and Contexts

Just like English varies from country to country (and if English is your second language, congratulations! You already know the… feeling), the way people express now in Spanish can change from country to country, so this is why it could be tricky to state how to say now in Spanish once and for all.

Here’s how some of these nuances play out across different Spanish-speaking regions:

The Many Meanings of Ahorita

One of the most debated and context-dependent words is ahorita because its actual meaning varies widely:

• Mexico: In Mexican Spanish, ahorita can be paradoxical. Depending on the speaker's tone and circumstance, it might mean in a few minutes or even sometime soon. It's not always as immediate as it sounds, which can be confusing for newcomers.
• Central America and Colombia: In these regions, ahorita is more likely to mean right now in the literal sense, aligning closely with the English use of now. For instance, in Colombia, ahorita can mean right now or in a little while.
• Caribbean Countries: In countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic,ahorita often matches the urgency of right this minute. You'll hear it with a clear sense of immediacy. In these regions, ahorita means a little later, while ahora means right now.

Ya: More Than Just Now

Ya is another word that varies in usage:

• Spain: Ya is often used with the meaning of already, but in many cases, it also serves as now with an added sense of impatience or urgency. For instance, ¡Ya basta! means Enough already! or Stop now!
• Latin America: Ya is frequently used to mean right now or immediately, especially in spoken language. For example, Ya voy translates to I’m going now, signalling an action that is about to happen.

Ahora and Its Shifting Immediacy

• Spain: Ahora in English typically translates to now, but it can be a bit more relaxed than in other places. It might suggest a short pause or slight delay, similar to in a moment.
• Latin America: In many Latin American countries, ahora is understood as right now with less ambiguity. However, in countries where ahorita is common, ahora might seem less immediate by comparison.

Polite Variants and Their Use

Expressions like en seguida and al instante are universally understood but can come across as more formal or polite in certain countries. For instance, using en seguida in Argentina might sound more courteous than saying ahora, while in Spain, it’s seen as an efficient way to indicate right away.

Why This Matters: If you’re travelling or speaking to someone from another country, understanding these subtle differences can help you avoid misunderstandings. Using ahorita in a Mexican conversation might give a laid-back vibe, while in a Caribbean context, it could convey urgency.

Final Tip: Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect—most native speakers will understand what you mean by looking at the bigger picture. But knowing these nuances can make your Spanish sound more natural.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overusing ahora in Situations Where Another Term Is More Appropriate

Relying too much on ahora to say now in Spanish can limit your fluency and make your speech less natural. For example, if you’re trying to convey urgency or immediate action, phrases like ahora mismo or ya might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you want to be polite or emphasise quick action, en seguida could be a better fit. Switching between terms adds depth to your Spanish and helps you communicate more effectively.

2. Misinterpreting ahorita Based on Regional Usage

Ahorita is one of the most regionally complex words in the Spanish language, and its meaning can shift dramatically depending on where you are. Misunderstanding its intent can lead to awkward situations, especially if you’re expecting immediate action but the speaker actually meant in a little while.

Conclusion

At first, saying now in Spanish seems simple, but as we’ve seen, there’s much more beneath the surface, and each term has its place and circumstance.

To recap, some of the most versatile and contextually useful phrases include:

• Ahora for a simple now.
• Ya for urgency or immediacy.
• Ahorita for regional nuances that range from right now to soon.
• En seguida and al instante for polite and quick responses.

Practice makes perfect, so use them in your conversations, pay attention to how native speakers use them, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

FAQ

Q1: How do you say now in Spanish?
A: Ahora is the default for now, but other options like ya, ahorita, and en este momento, each can make your Spanish sound more fluent.

Q2: What does ahora mean in Spanish?
A: Ahora in English means now and is the default translation. It’s a straightforward way to refer to the present, but it can sometimes carry a slightly less immediate sense compared to phrases like ahora mismo or ya.

Q3: What is the difference between ahora and ahorita?
A: Ahora generally means now, while ahorita can mean right now or in a little while, varying by country. In Mexico, for instance, ahorita might imply soon rather than immediately. Instead, in Central America or Colombia, ahorita is more often used to mean right now.

Q4: How do you use ya to mean now?
A: While ya often means already, it can also convey urgency and can mean now. For example, Ya voy translates to I’m going now or I’m on my way. The tone and context can make a significant difference.

Q5: Can enseguida be used to mean now?
A: Yes, enseguida translates to right away or immediately. It’s a common way to imply that an action will happen almost instantly, making it close to saying now.

Q6: Is al momento the same as ahora?
A: Al momento can mean at the moment or instantly, similar to ahora or en este momento. It adds a touch of immediacy and is often used when emphasising that something happened or will happen without delay.

Q7: What’s the most urgent way to say now in Spanish?
A: Phrases like ahora mismo or just ya convey a strong sense of urgency, similar to right now or this very second in English.

Q8: Are there formal or polite ways to say now?
A: Yes, en seguida and al instante mean right away and can work as a polite way to say now. They are suitable for situations where a direct ahora might feel too casual.

Author:

Fabia Parodi  

Fascinated by foreign languages and cultures, Fabia Parodi was determined to be a polyglot since she was a child. Fluent in Italian, English, French and Spanish and competent in Mandarin Chinese, Fabia is an experienced language teacher, translator and multicultural marketing specialist. 

When in class, she always make sure to include graded and authentic materials in her lessons to expose students to foreign cultures and to introduce a more natural use of the language they are learning. The two things she loves more than languages are travelling and exchanging stories with people from all over the world.