momento
“momento” means “moment” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
moment
Also: minute, while
📝 In Action
Espera un momento, por favor.
A1Wait a moment, please.
Fue un momento muy especial para nosotros.
A2It was a very special moment for us.
En este momento, estoy ocupado.
A2At this moment, I'm busy.
Llegaré en cualquier momento.
B1I'll arrive at any moment.
momentum
Also: importance, opportunity
📝 In Action
Es el momento de actuar y hacer un cambio.
B1This is the time (the opportune moment) to act and make a change.
El equipo perdió el momento y el otro equipo anotó.
B2The team lost momentum and the other team scored.
La decisión fue de gran momento para el futuro de la empresa.
C1The decision was of great importance for the company's future.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: momento
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'momento' to mean 'importance' or 'momentum'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'momentum', which meant 'movement, impulse, or a small particle of time'. You can see how both Spanish meanings grew from this one root!
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.