luego
“luego” means “then” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
then, afterwards
Also: later
📝 In Action
Primero vamos a cenar y luego al cine.
A1First we're going to have dinner and then to the movies.
Termino el trabajo y luego te llamo.
A2I'll finish work and then I'll call you.
Nos vemos luego.
A1See you later.
so, therefore
Also: consequently, hence
📝 In Action
Pienso, luego existo.
C1I think, therefore I am.
No has estudiado nada, luego no te sorprendas si suspendes.
B1You haven't studied at all, so don't be surprised if you fail.
El equipo jugó muy mal, luego perdió el partido.
B2The team played very poorly, therefore they lost the game.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: luego
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'luego' to mean 'so' or 'therefore'?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'locus', which meant 'place'. Over time, it shifted from meaning 'at that place' to 'at that point in time', and eventually became the word we use for 'then' or 'afterwards'.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'luego', 'después', and 'entonces'?
They can all mean 'then', but with small differences. 'Luego' and 'después' are best for showing the order of events ('First this, then that'). 'Luego' often implies the next thing happens right after. 'Entonces' is more flexible; it can mean 'then' in a sequence, but also 'so' (like 'así que') or 'at that time' when telling a story about the past.
Can I start a sentence with 'luego'?
Yes, absolutely! When telling a story or listing steps, it's very common to start a sentence with 'Luego, ...' to mean 'Then, ...' or 'Afterwards, ...'. For example: 'Me desperté a las siete. Luego, me duché y preparé el café.'