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entonces

en-TON-sesenˈton.ses

then

Also: at that moment
A person looking at an old black-and-white photo of themselves as a child, pointing to it.

📝 In Action

Vivíamos en México en 2010. Entonces, la vida era más simple.

A2

We lived in Mexico in 2010. Then, life was simpler.

Primero terminas tu tarea y solo entonces puedes salir a jugar.

B1

First you finish your homework and only then can you go out to play.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • en aquel tiempo (at that time)
  • en esa época (in that era)

Antonyms

so

Also: then, therefore
A2
A set of dominoes where the first one has fallen and is about to hit the next one, showing a chain reaction.

📝 In Action

Está lloviendo, entonces no vamos al parque.

A2

It's raining, so we're not going to the park.

Si no estudiaste, entonces no vas a aprobar el examen.

B1

If you didn't study, then you're not going to pass the exam.

Pienso, entonces existo.

C1

I think, therefore I am.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • así que (so)
  • por lo tanto (therefore)
  • luego (then (in a logical sequence))

Common Collocations

  • ¿Y entonces qué? – And so what?

so...

Also: well then..., right then...
A person pausing in conversation, tapping their chin thoughtfully before speaking.

📝 In Action

Entonces, ¿a qué hora nos vemos mañana?

A2

So, what time are we meeting tomorrow?

Bueno, entonces... creo que la mejor opción es la azul.

B1

Well, so... I think the best option is the blue one.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "entonces" in Spanish:

right then...→so→then→therefore→well then...→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: entonces

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'entonces' to mean 'so' or 'as a result'?

📚 More Resources

🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin phrase 'in tuncce', which was an emphatic way of saying 'at that very time'. Over centuries, it shortened and evolved into the Spanish 'entonces'.

First recorded: Around the 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: entãoCatalan: llavors / aleshores

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'entonces' and 'luego'?

It can be tricky! Think of 'entonces' as 'so' (showing a result) and 'luego' as 'later' or 'after that' (showing what happens next in time). For example: 'Estaba cansado, entonces me fui a dormir' (I was tired, so I went to sleep). Compare that to: 'Cené y luego me fui a dormir' (I had dinner and later I went to sleep).

Can I start any sentence with 'entonces'?

Yes, it's very common in conversation! Using 'Entonces...' at the start of a question or statement is a natural way to transition to a new topic or ask for a conclusion, similar to saying 'So...' or 'Well then...' in English.