Time is one of the most fundamental concepts we discuss every day. Whether you're talking about what you did yesterday, what you're doing today, or what you plan to do tomorrow, these three time expressions are absolutely essential in Spanish conversation. Today, we'll explore how to say and use the time adverbs for yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Spanish (ayer, hoy, and mañana) with clear examples and practical usage.
Let's start with the basics. Here are the three key time expressions for yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Spanish:
Ayer = Yesterday
Hoy = Today
Mañana = Tomorrow
These three words are the foundation of talking about time in Spanish, and you'll use them constantly in everyday conversation.
The word ayer is pronounced "ah-YAIR." Notice that the stress falls on the second syllable. It's a simple two-syllable word that's easy to remember and pronounce.
ayer,
yesterday,
Caption 71, Fermín y Manuel El pasado - Part 2
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Hoy is perhaps the simplest of the three words. It's pronounced exactly like the English word "oy" but with a slight "h" sound at the beginning: "oy." It's just one syllable, making it very straightforward.
hoy,
today,
Caption 81, Fermín y Manuel El pasado - Part 2
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Mañana is pronounced "mah-NYAH-nah." The stress falls on the second syllable, and don't forget that "ñ" makes the "ny" sound. Interestingly, mañana can also mean "morning," but context will always make it clear which meaning is intended.
Mañana.
Mañana [tomorrow].
Caption 26, Graciela Alfabeto y formación de sílabas
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Vuelvan mañana por la mañana y les atenderemos de ocho a una y media".
Come back tomorrow morning, and we'll attend to you from eight to one-thirty."
Captions 49-50, Aprendiendo con Silvia Horas, fechas y períodos de tiempo - Part 4
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Notice how in this example, the word mañana functions as both "tomorrow" and "morning" in the very common Spanish expression mañana por la mañana (tomorrow moning).
Now let's see how to use these time expressions in real sentences. The great news is that they typically go at the beginning or end of a sentence, just like in English.
You can use ayer with past tense verbs to talk about what happened yesterday:
Mañana es sábado
Tomorrow is Saturday,
Caption 21, Aprendiendo con Zulbany Piensa rápido - Part 3
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"La reunión es mañana"
"The meeting is tomorrow"
Caption 58, Carlos explica El verbo "ser" - Part 2
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Hoy is used with present tense verbs to talk about what's happening today:
Hoy os traigo un recorrido muy especial
Today, I'm bringing you a very special tour
Caption 2, Fuengirola El Paseo de los Murales de El Boquetillo - Part 1
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y también hoy tenemos la novedad del queso canárico.
and today we also have the novelty of Canarian cheese.
Caption 17, Kowy Queso
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Mañana is typically used with future tense or "ir a + infinitive" constructions:
¿Vamos mañana a la piscina?
Are we going tomorrow to the pool?
Caption 7, Fundamentos del Español 4 - Las Preguntas
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No, mañana vamos a llegar a la casa
No, tomorrow we're going to get home,
Caption 33, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 12 - Part 7
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Once you master ayer, hoy, and mañana, you can expand your time vocabulary with related expressions:
Anteayer = The day before yesterday
Anoche: Last night
Pasado mañana = The day after tomorrow
Esta mañana = This morning
Esta tarde = This afternoon/evening
Esta noche = Tonight
Keep in mind that anteayer is the preferred and standard form across the Spanish-speaking world, though you might also see antes de ayer (which means the same thing). Additionally, you might hear antier in some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico and Central America. However, anteayer is the recommended form to use in formal speech and writing.
Y "anteayer" me encontré con unas amigas,
And "the day before yesterday," I met up with some friends,
Caption 12, Aprendiendo con Silvia Horas, fechas y períodos de tiempo - Part 3
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Learning to say yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Spanish—ayer, hoy, and mañana—is crucial for basic communication. These fundamental time expressions will help you talk about your daily activities, make plans, and share experiences with Spanish speakers. With proper pronunciation and regular practice, you'll be confidently using ayer, hoy, and mañana in no time.
We hope this simple guide has helped you understand these essential Spanish time expressions. Please share your thoughts and questions with us—we'd love to hear from you!
If you're looking to conduct business in Spanish-speaking countries or with Spanish-speaking clients, learning key business transaction vocabulary is crucial. Whether you're buying, selling, negotiating, or closing deals, these essential Spanish terms will help you navigate the world of business transactions with confidence. Let's dive into some of the most important business vocabulary you'll need!
One of the first things you'll need to know when conducting business in Spanish are the basic words for buying and selling.
Tenemos que ir a comprar algo de comer.
We have to go buy something to eat.
Caption 40, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 1 - La llegada de Sam - Part 4
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vamos a vender productos
we're going to sell products
Caption 12, Santuario para burros Tienda solidaria
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Vas a tener que pagar más dinero.
You're going to have to pay more money.
Caption 9, Fermín Frases y expresiones - Part 2
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These three verbs form the foundation of any business transaction. You might hear them in various contexts, from small retail purchases to large corporate deals.
When discussing business transactions, you'll need vocabulary to describe what you're buying or selling.
¿Ustedes vienen a hacer un negocio y no tienen plata para la mercancía?
You guys come to do business, and you don't have money for the merchandise?
Caption 44, Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal Capítulo 1 - Part 6
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estamos ofreciendo productos de calidad,
are offering quality products,
Caption 10, Otavalo Taller Milmarte
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El comercio internacional se refiere a la compra y venta de bienes y servicios entre países.
International trade refers to the buying and selling of goods and services between countries.
Captions 7-8, Vocabulario de noticias Economía - Part 2
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La producción interna de suministros ha disminuido
The internal production of supplies has decreased
Caption 45, Zulbany y Micheel La situación en Venezuela
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Once you've established what you're buying or selling, you'll likely need to negotiate the terms.
que era trabajar con vino y hacer un negocio.
which was to work with wine and create a business.
Caption 15, Montserrat Cata de vinos - Part 1
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nosotros vamos a cotizar más bajo,
we are going to quote lower
Caption 64, Muñeca Brava 2 Venganza - Part 4
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yo voy a hablar con el señor Martínez, a hacerle una oferta también.
I'm going to talk to Mister Martínez, to make him an offer too.
Caption 17, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 4 - Part 5
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Además, me han regalado un veinticinco por ciento de descuento
In addition, they gave me a twenty-five percent discount
Caption 19, Fermín y Manuel El pasado - Part 2
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Por cierto, el precio se puede negociar; a eso lo llamamos en español "regatear".
By the way, the price can be negotiated; in Spanish we call that "regatear" [to bargain].
Caption 35, Fuengirola Mercado
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These terms are essential when discussing prices and trying to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.
After negotiations, it's time to finalize the deal using these important terms.
que realizan transacciones de productos financieros.
that carry out financial product transactions.
Caption 10, Vocabulario de noticias Finanzas - Part 3
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La última noticia es que habíamos conseguido un contrato de larga duración.
The latest news is that we had gotten a long-term contract.
Caption 14, Negocios Problemas laborales - Part 3
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Cuando llegamos a enero y tenemos estas facturas y estas cuentas,
When we get to January and we have these invoices and these bills,
Caption 14, Cuentas claras Sobreviviendo enero - Part 1
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se me lleva el recibo.
it takes the receipt from me.
Caption 31, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 2 - Part 14
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Building strong relationships is crucial in the business world, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries where personal connections often matter greatly.
Ah, y más que nada, que nos gusta mucho atender al cliente,
Oh, and more than anything, we really like to take care of the customer,
Caption 23, Yabla en Yucatán Jorge
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y el proveedor no ha retirado.
and the supplier has not removed.
Caption 23, Los Reporteros Sembrar, comer, tirar - Part 3
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Él es Rafael, es mi socio.
He's Rafael, he's my partner.
Caption 85, 75 minutos Gangas para ricos - Part 18
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These terms define the various relationships you'll establish while conducting business in Spanish.
Finally, here are some useful phrases that will help you sound more natural in business conversations:
Fue un placer hacer negocios con usted, ¿eh?
It was a pleasure doing business with you, huh?
Caption 43, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 5 - Part 7
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queremos montar un negocio
we want to start a business,
Caption 50, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 14
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y tiene el sentido de llegar a un acuerdo,
and has the sense of reaching an agreement,
Caption 29, Aprendiendo con Silvia Significados, usos y expresiones con "quedar" - Part 1
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Y, no, lo que pasa es que aparte le hice firmar un contrato.
And, no, the thing is that on top of that I made her sign a contract.
Caption 7, Muñeca Brava 18 - La Apuesta - Part 10
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Let's practice what we've just learned with the following brief conversation between a supplier and a business owner:
Ana: Buenos días, señor García. Soy Ana Rodríguez, representante de Suministros Globales. | Good morning, Mr. García. I'm Ana Rodríguez, representative of Global Supplies.
Sr. García: Estoy interesado en comprar nueva mercancía para mi tienda. | I'm interested in buying new merchandise for my store.
Ana: Podemos cotizarle precios competitivos si busca hacer un negocio a largo plazo. | We can quote you competitive prices if you're looking to make a long-term business deal.
Sr. García: Actualmente trabajo con otro proveedor, pero ¿ofrecen algún descuento? | I currently work with another supplier, but do you offer any discounts?
Ana: Para clientes nuevos, ofrecemos 15% en su primera transacción. | For new clients, we offer 15% off on their first transaction.
Sr. García: Suena bien, aunque tendré que regatear. ¿Podríamos llegar a un acuerdo de 20%? | Sounds good, though I'll have to bargain. Could we reach an agreement of 20%?
Ana: Podemos ofrecer 18%. Si le parece bien, podemos firmar un contrato hoy. | We can offer 18%. If that works for you, we can sign a contract today.
Sr. García: Me parece justo. Estoy pensando en montar un negocio adicional el próximo año. | That seems fair. I'm thinking about setting up a business next year.
Ana: Excelente. Prepararé la factura y le entregaremos su recibo cuando pague. | Excellent. I'll prepare the invoice and we'll give you your receipt when you pay.
If you're enjoying learning business vocabulary in Spanish, don't miss our "Vocabulario de noticias" series! This collection of 10 videos is perfect for beginners and intermediate learners who want to understand Spanish news related to finances, the economy, international politics, and the environment.
Carlos guides you through essential vocabulary that will help you follow business and economic news in Spanish-speaking media. Take your business Spanish to the next level by learning how these terms are used in real-world contexts!
Having these essential business transaction terms in your Spanish vocabulary is a great starting point for conducting business in Spanish-speaking environments. The more you practice using these terms in real-life situations, the more comfortable you'll become navigating business transactions in Spanish.
Remember that business practices may vary between different Spanish-speaking countries, so it's always good to research specific cultural business norms for the region you're working with.
Don't forget to send us your questions and comments about business vocabulary in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte con tus negocios!
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