momento

/mo-MEN-to/

A person pausing to look at a beautiful sunset, capturing a single, peaceful moment in time.

Just like this person is enjoying a single point in time, 'un momento' is a small, specific piece of time.

momento (Noun)

mA1

moment?a point in time

Also:minute?informal, as in 'just a minute',while?a short period

📝 In Action

Espera un momento, por favor.

Wait a moment, please.

Fue un momento muy especial para nosotros.

It was a very special moment for us.

En este momento, estoy ocupado.

At this moment, I'm busy.

Llegaré en cualquier momento.

I'll arrive at any moment.

Word Connections

Synonyms

instante (instant)
segundo (second)

Antonyms

eternidad (eternity)

Common Collocations

un momento – a moment / one moment
en este momento – at this moment / right now
de un momento a otro – from one moment to the next / any minute now
al momento – instantly, right away

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'un momento'

This is often used just like 'just a second' or 'hold on' in English. It's a very common and polite way to ask someone to wait.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Not the same as 'minuto'

Mistake: "Using 'momento' when you mean exactly 60 seconds."

Correction: 'Un momento' is a general, short period of time. Use 'un minuto' if you are specifically talking about sixty seconds.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Go-To Pause Word

If you need a second to think while speaking, saying 'un momento...' is a perfect and natural way to give yourself time.

A large boulder rolling down a hill, representing the concept of momentum and opportunity.

This boulder has 'momento'—it's the right time and has the force to keep going. This shows the idea of importance or momentum.

momento (Noun)

mB2

momentum?physics, sports, politics

Also:importance?significance,opportunity?the right time

📝 In Action

Es el momento de actuar y hacer un cambio.

This is the time (the opportune moment) to act and make a change.

El equipo perdió el momento y el otro equipo anotó.

The team lost momentum and the other team scored.

La decisión fue de gran momento para el futuro de la empresa.

The decision was of great importance for the company's future.

Word Connections

Synonyms

importancia (importance)
impulso (impulse, momentum)
ocasión (occasion, opportunity)

Common Collocations

el momento oportuno – the opportune moment
de gran momento – of great importance
llegar en el momento justo – to arrive at just the right moment

⭐ Usage Tips

Think 'The Right Time'

When you see 'el momento de...', it often means 'the time is right for...'. It's about a special, opportune point in time, not just any moment.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: momento

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'momento' to mean 'importance' or 'momentum'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

momentáneo(momentary) - adjective

momentáneamente(momentarily) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'un momento' and 'un rato'?

'Un momento' is very short, like 'a second' or 'a minute'. 'Un rato' is a longer, but still undefined, period of time, maybe 5 to 20 minutes. You'd wait 'un momento' for a friend to tie their shoe, but you'd chat with them for 'un rato'.

Can I use 'momento' for the hands of a clock?

No, that's a different word! The hands of a clock are 'las manecillas'. 'Momento' only refers to time itself.