momentos

/moh-men-tohs/

moments

A series of three small, distinct, colorful vignettes arranged horizontally, depicting fleeting actions: a single raindrop hitting a puddle, a camera flash going off, and a tiny bird taking flight from a branch.

Visualizing 'moments' as specific brief instances in time.

momentos(noun)

mA1

moments

specific brief instances in time

Also:

times

general or collective periods

📝 In Action

Necesito unos momentos para terminar el correo.

I need a few moments to finish the email.

Compartimos muchos momentos felices durante las vacaciones.

We shared many happy moments during the vacation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

instantes (instants)
tiempos (times/periods)

Common Collocations

en estos momentos – right now / at this time
buenos momentos – good times

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Plural

Since the single word ('momento') is masculine, the plural form 'momentos' is also masculine and requires masculine adjectives and articles: 'los momentos' (the moments), 'pocos momentos' (few moments).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'horas' instead of 'momentos'

Mistake: "Dame unas horas para pensarlo (when you mean a short time)."

Correction: Dame unos momentos para pensarlo. (Use 'momentos' for brief, general time; 'horas' implies a longer, specific duration.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Unos/Unas' for 'A Few'

When you mean 'a few moments,' always use the masculine plural indefinite article: 'unos momentos'.

A simple, continuous illustration showing a single character represented in three distinct life phases: a baby crawling, a child riding a bicycle, and an adult sitting calmly under a tree, symbolizing different periods.

Visualizing 'momentos' as longer periods or phases of life/situation.

momentos(noun)

mB1

periods

phases of life/situation

Also:

times of difficulty

referring to a rough patch

📝 In Action

Mi familia pasó por momentos muy duros el año pasado.

My family went through very tough times last year.

Hay que tener paciencia en estos momentos de incertidumbre.

One must be patient in these periods of uncertainty.

Word Connections

Synonyms

etapas (stages/phases)
circunstancias (circumstances)

Common Collocations

momentos cruciales – crucial moments
momentos difíciles – difficult times

Idioms & Expressions

tener sus momentos – to have one's moments (meaning occasional successes or breakdowns)

💡 Grammar Points

Verbs of Passing Time

This meaning often pairs with verbs like 'pasar por' (to go through) or 'vivir' (to experience) to describe enduring a phase.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'momentos' and 'oportunidades'

Mistake: "Tuve muchos momentos de hacer eso (when meaning chances)."

Correction: Tuve muchas oportunidades de hacer eso. ('Momentos' is time; 'oportunidades' are chances.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Emotional Context

When used in the plural, 'momentos' frequently carries an emotional weight, describing a state of affairs (e.g., 'momentos de alegría' or 'momentos de pena').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: momentos

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'momentos' to mean 'a tough period of life'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

momento(moment (singular)) - noun

momentáneo(momentary) - adjective

oportunidad(opportunity) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'momentos' always masculine?

Yes, 'momento' is a masculine noun, and its plural form 'momentos' is also always masculine. Always use 'los' or 'unos' with it.

How is 'momentos' different from 'tiempo'?

'Tiempo' refers to time in general or a larger, undefined period (like 'weather' or 'time itself'). 'Momentos' refers to specific, countable, usually shorter, slices of time or specific episodes.