madrugada

mah-droo-GAH-dah/maðɾuˈɣaða/

“madrugada” means “early morning” in Spanish (the time between midnight and sunrise).

early morning

Also: dawn, wee hours

Me gusta estudiar de madrugada porque todo está en silencio.

I like to study in the early morning because everything is silent.

El tren sale a las tres de la madrugada.

The train leaves at three in the morning.

Trabajamos hasta la madrugada para terminar el proyecto.

We worked until the wee hours to finish the project.

No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano – Things take the time they take; you can't rush certain outcomes.

Words that translate to "madrugada" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 1

If someone says they are leaving at 'las dos de la madrugada,' what time is it?

👥 Word Family▼

madrugar(to wake up very early) — Verb

madrugador(early bird / early riser) — Noun / Adjective

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish verb 'madrugar,' which comes from the Latin 'maturare,' meaning 'to ripen' or 'to hasten.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: madrugada

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When exactly does 'madrugada' start and end?

There is no official clock time, but it generally starts at midnight (12:00 AM) and ends when the sun rises (around 6:00 or 7:00 AM).

Can I use 'madrugada' to mean 'tomorrow'?

No. While 'mañana' can mean both 'morning' and 'tomorrow,' 'madrugada' only refers to the early morning time period.