mañana
/ma-NYA-na/
Just like this picture of a sunrise, 'la mañana' refers to the first part of the day, from when you wake up until noon.
mañana (Noun)
📝 In Action
Me levanto a las siete de la mañana.
A1I get up at seven in the morning.
Tengo una reunión importante mañana por la mañana.
A2I have an important meeting tomorrow morning.
Fue una mañana muy productiva.
B1It was a very productive morning.
💡 Grammar Points
Always 'la mañana' for 'morning'
When you're talking about the morning time, 'mañana' is a feminine word, so you always use 'la' with it. Think 'la mañana bonita' (the beautiful morning).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'in the morning'
Mistake: "Voy a la tienda en la mañana."
Correction: Voy a la tienda por la mañana. To say 'in the morning' generally, use 'por la mañana.' Use 'de la mañana' only when you're saying a specific time, like 'a las ocho de la mañana' (at 8 a.m.).
'Mañana' points to the next day, the one that comes after today, just like this person pointing ahead on their path.
mañana (Adverb)
📝 In Action
¿Nos vemos mañana?
A1See you tomorrow?
Mañana voy a empezar la dieta.
A1Tomorrow I am going to start the diet.
Deja eso para mañana, ahora descansa.
A2Leave that for tomorrow, rest now.
💡 Grammar Points
No extra words needed
Unlike English, you don't need a word like 'on' or 'at' before 'mañana' when it means tomorrow. Just say 'Voy mañana' (I'm going tomorrow).
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Mañana' Attitude
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying you'll do something 'mañana' can sometimes mean 'later' or 'not right now,' rather than strictly the next day. It can be a relaxed way of putting something off.
Here, 'el mañana' isn't just the next day, but all the days to come—the future. It's a more poetic way to talk about what's ahead.
mañana (Noun)
📝 In Action
Debemos construir un mejor mañana para nuestros hijos.
B2We must build a better future for our children.
Es un líder con una clara visión del mañana.
C1He is a leader with a clear vision of the future.
💡 Grammar Points
Heads up! It's 'el mañana' now.
When 'mañana' means 'the future,' it switches and becomes a masculine word. You say 'el mañana' (the future), which is different from 'la mañana' (the morning).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mañana
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'We are going to the beach tomorrow morning'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'la mañana', 'mañana', and 'el mañana'?
It's all about the little word in front! 'La mañana' means 'the morning' (a specific time of day). 'Mañana' all by itself means 'tomorrow' (the day after today). And 'el mañana', which is less common, is a more poetic way to say 'the future'.