Spanish · Time, Numbers & Colors
"On time" in Spanish: a tiempo
a tiempo
On time in Spanish is a tiempo. Say llegar a tiempo for to arrive on time. Puntual describes a punctual person.
How to pronounce a tiempo: audio and sound guideTrain
El tren llegó a tiempo.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce a tiempo
Say it
ah TYEM-poh
/a ˈtjem.po/
ah TYEM-poh. Stress TYEM. Soft final poh.
"On time" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| a tiempo | on time Default phrase. | Default phrase. |
| llegar a tiempo | to arrive on time With the verb llegar. | With the verb llegar. |
| justo a tiempo | just in time Barely made it. | Barely made it. |
| puntual | punctual Adjective for a person. | Adjective for a person. |
| con tiempo | with time to spare / early enough Not the same as a tiempo. | Not the same as a tiempo. |
How to use a tiempo in real life
- 1Train
El tren llegó a tiempo.
The train arrived on time.
A tiempo after the verb.
- 2Meeting
Llegué a tiempo a la reunión.
I arrived on time to the meeting.
Keep a tiempo together.
- 3Show
Empezamos a tiempo.
We started on time.
A tiempo for punctual start.
Mistakes English speakers make with a tiempo
Incorrect: Llegué en tiempo.
Correct: Llegué a tiempo.
Say a tiempo, not en tiempo.
Incorrect: El tren llegó al tiempo.
Correct: El tren llegó a tiempo.
Use a tiempo, not al tiempo.
Good to know
Good to knowA tiempo means on time for schedules. Puntual describes people; trains and meetings more often use a tiempo.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Rushing to a movie
ChatPal
¿Llegamos a tiempo?
Will we arrive on time?
You
Si salimos ahora, llegamos a tiempo.
If we leave now, we arrive on time.
ChatPal
El metro va bien hoy.
The metro is running well today.
You
Entonces vamos.
Then let's go.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"On time" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "On time" in Spanish
Is it a tiempo or en tiempo?
A tiempo for on time.
What does puntual mean?
Punctual — usually for people.
How do I say arrive on time?
Llegar a tiempo.
How do I pronounce a tiempo?
ah TYEM-poh.
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