Spanish word

momento

Pronunciation

IPA/moˈmento/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmoment

Example

Un momento, por favor.

One moment, please.

Illustration for momento (moment)

More examples

En este momento no puedo hablar.

Right now I can't speak.

Core concept

A single precise point on the timeline, an instant.

Common phrases

  • un momento

    just a moment

  • en este momento

    right now

  • dentro de un momento

    in a minute

Similar words

segundo: Exactly one second of time, the basic unit measured by clocks.
instante: An extremely brief instant, felt as effectively instantaneous.
rato: A brief duration that is not precisely measured, meaning a little while.

Definition in Spanish

Unidad de tiempo muy corta o punto preciso en el tiempo; palabra corriente para solicitar una espera breve o para señalar algo que ocurre por poco tiempo.

Word origin

Momentum in Latin means 'movement' and Spanish momento inherits that root while functioning metaphorically as an instant.

Usage tips

  • En un momento and un momento commonly mean 'in a little while' whereas por un momento means 'for a short period', so the preposition changes the temporal aspect.

Other meanings

  • instantnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • momentáneotemporaryadjective
  • momentáneamentetemporarilyadverb
  • momentitobrief momentnoun

Word lists with this word