entonces

/en-TON-ses/

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

Just like pointing to a photo from the past, 'entonces' points to a specific time you're talking about.

entonces (Adverb)

then?at that time

Also:at that moment?referring to a specific point in time

📝 In Action

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

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

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

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

Related Words

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

ahora (now)

💡 Grammar Points

Pointing to a Specific Time

Use 'entonces' to refer to a specific moment in the past or future that you've already mentioned. It's like saying 'at that point in time'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Past, Present, or Future?

While often used for the past, 'entonces' can also point to a future time. For example: 'Llegaré a las 8. Entonces, podremos cenar.' (I'll arrive at 8. Then, we can have dinner.)

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

'Entonces' connects a cause to its effect, like one domino knocking over the next.

entonces (Connector)

so?as a result

Also:then?in that case,therefore?more formal

📝 In Action

Está lloviendo, entonces no vamos al parque.

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

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

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

Pienso, entonces existo.

I think, therefore I am.

Related Words

Synonyms

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

Common Collocations

¿Y entonces qué? – And so what?

💡 Grammar Points

Connecting Cause and Effect

Use this 'entonces' to link a reason or situation to what happens because of it. It answers the question '...so what?'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Not always the same as 'luego'

Mistake: "'Comí, luego salí.' (Sequence)"

Correction: 'Luego' often means 'after that' in a sequence of events. 'Entonces' is better for a logical result: 'Tenía hambre, entonces comí.' (I was hungry, *so* I ate). They can sometimes overlap, but thinking of 'entonces' as 'so' helps avoid confusion.

A person pausing in conversation, tapping their chin thoughtfully before speaking.

Sometimes, 'entonces' is just a little pause, like saying 'So...' or 'Well then...' before starting a new thought.

entonces (Discourse Marker)

so...?at the beginning of a sentence

Also:well then...?to start or continue a thought,right then...?to get things moving

📝 In Action

Entonces, ¿a qué hora nos vemos mañana?

So, what time are we meeting tomorrow?

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

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

Related Words

Synonyms

bueno (well)
pues (well / so)

⭐ Usage Tips

The Conversational Pause

You'll hear this all the time in conversations. It's a way to start a question, summarize, or just give yourself a second to think. Don't be afraid to use it to sound more natural!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: entonces

Question 1 of 1

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

📚 More Resources

Words that Rhyme with entonces

pienses

compenses

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.